Arsenal have been linked with four-time World Footballer of the Year and Barcelona star Lionel Messi according to reports by Daily Star, in what would cost the Gunners a reported £600k a week in wages. Enough to give Arsene Wenger heart palpitations just at the thought.
The rather ludicrous report suggest the Argentina forward is seeking a move away from Spain due to his ongoing tax fraud allegations that has seriously unsettled the 28-year-old. Messi and his father Jorge will have to stand trial for the charges in the near future, after suggestions the star avoided paying tax by using offshore accounts, the Daily Star continues.
It is thought the legal battle is enough to sever ties with Spain, Messi’s home of over 14 years, with Arsenal the preferred destination for a player who has a reported £175m buyout clause and wage demands of £18m after tax (via Daily Star). Meaning Arsenal boss Wenger would have to OK wages of around the £600k a week mark.
While Arsenal certainly have some cash in the bank, the wage bill suggested is beyond extreme let alone the up front transfer fee. The story making the rounds may be enough to excite some Arsenal fans, but we all would be deluded if we thought this one might come to fruition.
Arguably one of the greatest footballers ever, Messi will almost certainly finish his career in Barcelona unless his wage demands are seriously re-evaluated for a player not far off his 30’s. Chelsea or the Manchester clubs are the more likely to fork out such inconceivable sums. Sorry Gooners!
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