Arsenal transfer news: Lionel Messi ‘blocked’ £42m Gunners star move to Barcelona
Arsenal star playmaker Mesut Ozil was linked with a move away from the north London-based club this summer.
The Germany international has under 12 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners and is yet to agree a new deal.
The Spanish outlet Don Balon claims that Barcelona were interested in signing the 28-year-old. However, the report states that Barcelona legend Lionel Messi put a stop to the transfer because it would represent poor business.
Per the source, Messi spoke with the clubs hierarchy and his intervention ultimately put them off signing Ozil.
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The World Cup winner previously played for Barcelona’s biter rivals Real Madrid.
Ozil made the move to Arsenal for £42 million back in September 2013. The former Schalke 04 star has won three FA Cup trophies during his time at Arsenal.
The north London-based club suffered a disappointing 4-0 loss at the hands of Liverpool last weekend. Arsene Wenger’s side will be looking to bounce back when they take on Bournemouth on September 9.
