Lionel Messi is ready to put pen to paper on a new deal at Barcelona if they sign Sergio Aguero on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.
Aguero yesterday announced that he would be leaving City at the end of the current season with rumours that he could join Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or even Independiente.
The Argentina international has scored 257 goals in 384 appearances for the Citizens, making him the highest-scoring overseas player in Premier League history.
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That makes him an attractive prospect for any new club with Football Insider claiming that Messi ‘has told Barcelona to sign’ Aguero in the summer.
It is understood that the Catalan giants are in ‘pole position’ to sign Aguero with Messi making ‘ the capture of Aguero a key condition of him signing a blockbuster new Barca contract this summer.’
Messi had been linked heavily with a move to City earlier this season but the Premier League club recently told Sky Sports that ‘no approach has been made’ for Messi and that there have been ‘no offers made, either in the summer, or since, and there are no talks’.
Football Insider adds:
‘The recent election of Joan Laporta as Barcelona president for the second time is key to a change of stance from Messi.
‘He is ready to negotiate a new deal and insist upon linking up with his fellow Argentine at club level for the first time.’
On deciding to leave City at the end of his contract in the summer, Aguero released a statement on Monday confirming his departure and thanking the fans.
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 29, 2021
“When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise,” Aguero wrote on Twitter.
“A huge sense of satisfaction and pride remains in me for having played with Manchester City for a whole 10 seasons – unusual for a professional player in this day and age.
“Ten seasons with major achievements, throughout which I was able to become the top historic goalscorer and forging an indestructible bond with all those who love this club – people who will always be in my heart.
“I was to join during the reconstruction era of 2011, and with the guidance of the owners and the contribution of many players, we earned a place among the greatest in the world.
“The task to maintain this well-deserved privileged position will remain on others.
“As for myself, I will continue to give it my utmost for the rest of the season to win more titles and bring more joy to the fans.
“Then, a new stage with new challenges will begin and I am fully ready to face them with the same passion and professionalism that I have always dedicated to continue competing at the highest level.”
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