Arsenal Transfer News: Lionel Messi Prefers Gunners Amid Barcelona Exit Rumours

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reportedly identified Arsenal as his Premier League destination of choice should he ever decide to quit the Camp Nou.

That’s according to Dave Woods of Daily Star, who writes that the lure of London would see the Argentinian choose a switch to the Emirates over Manchester United and Manchester City.

Premier League champions Chelsea are also linked with the 28-year-old, yet Messi would prefer north rather than west of the English capital.

Paul White/Associated Press

Seeing the four-time World Player of the Year winner don any other shirt than Barcelona’s would be odd, yet it appears Messi has fallen out of love with the nation he’s called home since a child.

Woods reports Messi is open to a move to England after being investigated by Spanish tax authorities.

The Argentina star and his father Jorge are accused of defrauding Spain of around €4 million (£2.8 million), with both set to stand trial and potentially face 22 months in prison, per BBC News.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

That has resulted in the Barcelona man being linked to a move to the Premier League, although finding a club that can afford his services will be tricky.

Messi reportedly wants to earn £600,000 per week to ply his trade in England—resulting in a staggering annual wage of £18 million after tax.

And while that may seem an eye-watering rate, here's a reminder of why he could be worth £600,000 per week:

Additionally, it seems Barcelona will be looking to tie down their star man in the not-too-distant future. According to Sport, via the Daily Mail, the Catalan club will offer Messi a new contract that will see him end his career at the Camp Nou.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The prospect of, arguably, the best team in the world losing the best player in the world would be something of a head scratcher.

A new bumper contract would put an end to any transfer speculation, and that’s exactly what Bartomeu will be looking to do over the coming months.