Lionel Messi signed a revised contract with FC Barcelona in May, but reports indicated that the superstar forward considered making a move to Arsenal before inking a new deal with his Spanish club.
Metro UK, citing a Vozpopuli reported, revealed that Messi seriously considered moving to the Emirates this summer after allegedly becoming unhappy with the way the contract talks with Barcelona went earlier this year.
"The Argentine superstar eventually penned his extension with Barca in May having previously rejected fresh terms, following a row over bonus payments," Metro reported. "And Spanish newspaper Vozpopuli, who broke the news of Arsenal's deal for Alexis Sanchez, says Messi was seriously considering a switch to the Emirates before sorting out an arrangement to stay at the Nou Camp."
Messi, who inked a new deal in May that made him the highest-paid football player in the world, also allegedly talk to former teammate Cesc Fabregas about what it feels like playing for Arsenal under Wenger. Fabregas was also linked to Arsenal this summer before he eventually made a move to Chelsea.
"The paper claims that Messi had spoken to close friend Cesc Fabregas about his time at Arsenal, and also sounded out other acquaintances about a switch to London," Metro added.
Sources indicated that Messi even asked his agent to talk to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about a possible move the Emirates, but it is unclear at this point whether or not the two sides discussed a potential move.
Lee Hurley of Metro expressed doubt, though, that Wenger was willing to accept Messi's lucrative deal, considering how strict the veteran manager is when it comes to a player's wage structure.
"He reportedly earns £15.8 [million] per season," Hurley wrote about Messi's contract. "That's around £300k per week. No player at Arsenal is on half that and Wenger takes the wage structure at the club very seriously. I can hear Wenger's breathing getting shallow just thinking about paying someone £300k per week."
Acquiring Messi could have made Arsenal a strong contender in the Barclays Premier League next season, but the Argentine talisman eventually committed to Barca, who are expected to become a title favorite in next season's La Liga after acquiring Luis Suarez from Liverpool.
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