Arsenal are in pole position to secure the services of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi this summer. According to recent reports, the Gunners are leading the chase to sign the Argentine superstar when the transfer window opens in the summer. However, it is being reported that a deal will only happen if Luis Enrique succeeds Arsene Wenger as the new manager at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger announced on Friday morning that he will part ways with Arsenal at the end of the current campaign after spending 22 years at the North London club. Some sources are now claiming that Luis Enrique is one of the leading candidates to take up the managerial role at Arsenal and succeed Wenger. The Spaniard has won eight trophies with the Catalans during his time at the Nou Camp. It is believed that Enrique’s relationship with Messi could mean that the Gunners will be in an ideal position to land the Argentine winger.
Messi’s current contract with Barca runs out in the summer of 2021 and has a release clause of £626m. The Argentine international has featured in 49 matches for the Catalans this season, scoring 39 goals and providing 16 assists in all competitions.
The Gunners are sitting in the 6th spot in the Premier League standings with a total points tally of 54 points in 33 matches. The North London outfit are currently preparing for their league clash against West Ham United on Sunday with a crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final encounter versus Atletico Madrid looming on the horizon.
The addition of Messi will undoubtedly bolster Arsenal’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The Gunners have the likes of Danny Welbeck, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Alex Iwobi vying for a place in Wenger’s first-team this season. The potential acquisition of Messi will definitely improve their team significantly next season and add more competition for places within their squad.
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Messi is highly versatile and can operate in a number of different positions across the frontline. The Argentine primarily plays as a secondary striker but can also be deployed in the number 10 position or on the right flank which makes him a perfect fit for any of his potential suitors. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Messi and whether he ends up making a switch to the Premier League in the near future.
