Lionel Messi has already informed Barcelona that he wants to leave the club, sending shockwaves echoing around the world of football.
Messi and Barcelona seem destined to cut ties this summer after the Argentinean handed in a transfer request following a string of underwhelming results in both Spain and Europe.
Not only the fans, but the club management cannot reconcile with the fact the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to depart and are doing everything in their power to keep hold of one of the greatest players ever.
An 8-2 thumping to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, followed by Ronald Koeman’s appointment, has contributed to the 33-year-old’s desire to find a new challenge.
Manchester City led by Pep Guardiola have emerged as leading candidates to land Messi this summer, but Barcelona continue to insist on a staggering €700m release clause.
However, according to Cadena Ser, there’s no such clause in the Argentinean’s contract, and he’s ‘free’ to join the Etihad outfit if he wants to.
Of course, the existence of such contractual ultimatum would make any deal virtually impossible, but it appears to be Barca’s last-ditch effort to retain their best player.
If that’s the case, wantaway superstar can take Barcelona to court to force his way out of the club, which may facilitate City’s attempts to bring him to England.
Some reports have suggested the Sky Blues have already sent the emissaries to discuss a potential deal with Messi and his family.
Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race.
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