Lionel Messi Transfer from Barcelona to Arsenal Happening Soon? [Rumors]

There are talks circulating that Argentinian superstar, Lionel Messi, may be moving from Barcelona to Arsenal in the Premier League.

According to Bleacher Report sources, Messi reportedly expressed his interest in transferring to Arsenal, although he just signed a contract extension with Barcelona in May 2014. Vozpopuli, a Spanish newspaper, stated that Arsenal was into talks involving Alexis Sanchez, and Messi was serious about a transfer to the Emirates. In the end, he extended his contract at Nou Camp instead.

Vozpopuli added that Messi discussed the possible transfer to Arsenal with Cesc Fabregas, one of his good friends. Allegedly, Messi told his agent to talk to Wenger to determine if there can be a deal sorted out for him to make the big move.

Even Fabregas was reportedly offered to continue playing in Arsenal but he signed with Chelsea. According to The Guardian, he said: "We spoke to Wenger and he said that the space was very well filled by Mesut Ozil and it was hard to find a place for both of us in the team."

Football experts speculated that it would be very difficult for Wenger to acquire a player like Messi, considering Arsenal's financial status. Messi earns an estimated £15.8 million every season. No other Arsenal player earns even half of the staggering amount so it would almost be impossible that Arsenal would sacrifice much of its resources even for the World Cup Golden Ball winner.  Arsenal will need to make major adjustments or even release some players just to afford Messi.

In a report by Metro, Messi had the chance to transfer to Arsenal when he was in his teens before joining Barcelona. He expressed being a fan of Arsene Wenger and his principles and strategies. Messi had a few disputes with Barcelona concerning his bonus payments but it seems the issues have already been resolved.

Any possibility of Messi going to London has been rendered academic. Messi is arguably the best and highest-paid football player in the world and it would only be interesting for fans and experts to think about the outcome if he joined Arsenal. 

Messi last played in the 2014 World Cup where Argentina lost in the finals against Germany.