Lionel Messi rejects Paris Saint-Germain contract extension, could make Barcelona return in summer – Paper Round
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Updated 25/01/2023 at 08:07 GMT
Lionel Messi is reportedly unwilling to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain and could even complete a surprise return to Barcelona this summer. Elsewhere, Arsenal are set to beat Barca to the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Brighton have slapped a £100-million release clause on Moises Caicedo and Newcastle United are set to pip Chelsea to the signing of Anthony Gordon.
Lionel Messi
Image credit: Getty Images
Messi changes mind over PSG future
Lionel Messi is considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain and is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension in the French capital. The 35-year-old's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and his future is uncertain. PSG were confident that Messi was planning to extend his contract before the World Cup, but Argentina's triumph seems to be key to his decision.
Spanish media outlet Marca report: "Once he had achieved the feat of winning the World Cup, winning more titles in France or even another Champions League would not motivate him enough. Barcelona are now considered as the main candidates to sign Messi. However, one of the conditions that would have to be met for his return to be possible would be for Messi to give up a large part of his salary in order to adapt to the current situation of the Catalan side and their wage bill.
"Other clubs such as Inter Miami, Newell's Old Boys and even Al-Hilal are also interested in landing the 35-year-old star."
Arsenal close in on summer signing
Arsenal look set to beat Barcelona to the signing of highly-rated midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Barca had targeted the 23-year-old as a long-term replacement for the ageing Sergio Busquet, whose current contract is set to expire this summer, but cannot compete with the Gunners' finances. The transfer is expected to be completed at the end of the season and Arsenal will pay Zubimendi's release clause.
The Mail report: "Arsenal reached an agreement with his club this month to pay his £52.5 million release clause but the player does not want to leave his hometown team in the middle of the season and the deal is more likely to happen at the end of the campaign.
The Spaniard "favours a move to England over staying in LaLiga and rejected Real Sociedad's attempts to increase his release clause when his contract was last renewed."
Brighton slap £100m asking price on Caicedo
Brighton will demand £100 million for Moises Caicedo to depart in January amid serious interest from Chelsea. The Blues interest, driven by ex-Brighton boss Graham Potter, has already seen a bid rejected by the seaside club this month.
The Times report: "Chelsea made a formal offer for Caicedo of about half that amount last week, which was rejected without negotiation by Brighton. Tony Bloom, the owner, will not countenance another player departure in January.
"With Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all in the market for young, dynamic and technically able midfielders, Caicedo has been listed alongside Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernández and Declan Rice as a preferred option for the position."
Everton’s week gets worse and worse
Newcastle United are confident that they will be able to complete the signing of Anthony Gordon from Everton this month, despite rival interest from Chelsea. Both clubs approached the Toffees regarding Gordon last summer and Newcastle had a £35-million bid rejected. The Magpies believe they are favourites to sign the promising youngster, but are still lining up alternative targets in case a deal falls through.
The Telegraph reveal: Newcastle "are hoping to finalise a deal to sign Gordon in the next few days and believe Everton are willing to sell, though both clubs are apart in their valuations of the player. Progress has been made on the deal but they are wary of falling into a trap and will keep their options open at this stage.
"Newcastle are also sounding out other targets and retain a strong interest in Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech. That is thought to be a much cheaper option if Everton do not compromise on their £60 million asking price for Gordon. Morocco international Ziyech could even join on loan, with Newcastle holding an option to buy him in the summer."
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