Arteta may have ruined Arsenal chances of Messi deal after ‘bust-up’

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As Lionel Messi’s future at Paris Saint-Germain grows increasingly uncertain, a host of top clubs across the world will likely be lining up for his signature at the end of the season. The legendary Argentine has a one-year extension in his contract in France, but there are doubts over whether it will be activated amid concerns over his future in Ligue 1.

French outlets are reporting that PSG want one of Messi, Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to leave this summer and the Barcelona legend is deemed to be the expendable asset. The 35-year-old recently had his name whistled at by the PSG supporters before their defeat to Lyon on Sunday and tensions have risen in the French capital.

Whether Arsenal would be interested in a move for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner remains to be seen as Mikel Arteta has ousted several high-profile egos in his time as manager and there is a chance he may feel that Messi could fall into the same category as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil. However, the Argentine may not wish to join Arteta at the Emirates anyway as a result of their reported spat several years ago.

When Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s number two at Manchester City, there were rumours that he was at the centre of an incident involving Messi during a Champions League tie in 2016 when tempers flared. Messi was said to have reacted angrily when he saw the now-Arsenal boss celebrating a 3-1 victory, which continued down the tunnel.

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According to Spanish radio station COPE, via The Sun, Messi told Arteta to quieten down and is he understood to have said to him in Spanish: “Go and enjoy yourself in the dressing room. Do not do this here.”

Both Guardiola and Arteta denied the accusations. “I spoke to Arteta,” Guardiola said at the time. “It’s impossible that incident happened. He admires Messi and Barcelona a lot.”

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However, if such an incident did occur it could scupper any chances the Gunners have of luring Messi to north London this summer. Arteta is clearly an admirer of Messi, however, as he replied with “Excitement and attention” when asked what the Argentinian would bring to PSG when he moved to France in 2021.

“It’s incredible and it will be a dream to watch them, how they play,” he added. “And straightaway yesterday you could see everyone in Paris how exciting it is when they realised he is going to be there.”

Arteta had a stint at PSG during his playing days, spending a year on loan in Paris from Barcelona. Though his connections may not yield a positive impact in terms of negotiations for Messi, as the forward is already able to speak to other clubs freely regarding a pre-contractual agreement for next season.

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