Saudi Arabia preparing huge offer to secure Lionel Messi transfer from Paris Saint-Germain - Paper Round
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ByEurosport
Updated 16/03/2023 at 08:27 GMT
Lionel Messi could be offered similar wages to Cristiano Ronaldo to join him in the Saudi Arabian league, while Manchester United may spend £105 million on Randal Kolo Muani and are set to receive a second round of bids from interested parties ahead of a proposed sale. Elsewhere, Chelsea are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
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Messi could make switch to Saudi League
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Lionel Messi could leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, and Saudi Arabia would facilitate a deal equal to that offered to Cristiano Ronaldo for his move.
The paper explains: “Rumours sparked after Messi's father and agent Jorge was spotted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, although there are those who point out that he travelled there to negotiate commercial deals.
“Meanwhile, his son has yet to agree on a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain, with his current deal running until June.
“As Marca has learned, in Saudi Arabia, they are planning to offer Messi the same money that lured Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. This means that Messi could earn 220 million euros per season for featuring with the team and being Saudi Arabia's ambassador.
“In Riyadh, they believe that their dream of having both stars in their league could come true. Ronaldo may have joined Al Nassr for two and a half seasons, but Messi will be offered a one-year contract.”
United ready bid for Kolo Muani
Manchester United could bid £105 million for French international Randal Kolo Muani, one of their many striking targets for the summer after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last year.
“The French striker, 24, recently changed agencies after previously indicating that he'd remain with the German side for at least one more season, a decision which hints at an exit,” reports The Mirror.
“Kolo Muani, who has scored 16 goals for Eintracht this term, has emerged as a target for United manager Erik ten Hag amid the Red Devils' search for a new striker.
“Ten Hag is understood to have earmarked Tottenham talisman Harry Kane as his No. 1 priority, but Spurs' reluctancy to sell means that United must assess alternative options. While Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen and Benfica starlet Goncalo Ramos are on the Red Devils' radar, Kolo Muani has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in what would be a club-record deal.
“United lead the race and are putting together a £105m package which would make the France international their most expensive signing ever. Although Eintracht have Kolo Muani contracted until 2027, the Bundesliga club would find it hard to resist that kind of offer considering they acquired him on a free transfer from Nantes last summer.”
Chelsea target Kone
Another player who could leave the Bundesliga for England is Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
“The France U21 international joined the Bundesliga side in January 2021 from Toulouse,” The Sun writes.
“The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for Daniel Farke's side this season and attracted the interest of some of Europe's top clubs.
“Gladbach would be looking for in the region of £25m or more for a player who will have two years left on his contract come the summer.”
Second bids due at United
The Daily Mail gives an update on progress for the proposed takeover at Manchester United, with a second bid due after interested parties were given more information over the state of the club.
The paper states: “Those in the hunt for Manchester United have been told they have 10 days to submit their next bid.
“On Thursday, representatives from the Qatari offer, revealed by this newspaper, will head to Old Trafford for presentations, while on Friday, it will be the turn of rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“They will meet members of various departments, including football, financial and commercial, while also taking tours of the club's iconic home and training ground, both of which are in need of significant investment.
“Independent assessments of how much would be needed for a makeover - or a makeover or new build in the case of the stadium - will then be made.
“Groups will then be invited to make their second offers to US bank Raine Group, who are handling the process on behalf of United's owners the Glazer family.”
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