Transfer Talk: PSG lead Messi race as Arsenal chase Blades duo

Paris Saint-Germain are desperately trying to sign Lionel Messi after his departure from Barcelona was confirmed.

Messi’s 21-year association with the Catalan giants ended last night — sparking a rush for his signature.

But the Argentine’s huge wage demands, which he had agreed to slash to stay at Barca, mean only a handful of clubs can afford him and PSG have put themselves at the front of the queue. 

According to Sky Sports, talks have already begun between Messi and the French side.

They hope the lure of playing with close friend Neymar again will tempt the 34-year-old superstar into signing a deal at the Parc des Princes.

As well as reclaiming the Ligue 1 title from Lille, PSG believe the Barca legend can help them win a first Champions League title.

Messi has also been linked with Manchester City, where he could link up with former boss Pep Guardiola.

But City have just splashed £100million on Jack Grealish and Harry Kane remains on their wanted list.

Whether or not they could also afford to sign Messi remains to be seen.

Gunners eye Blades duo

Keeper Aaron Ramsdale is not the only Sheffield United player on Arsenal’s radar this summer.

The Gunners want to complete a £50m double signing with Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge joining Ramsdale at the Emirates, according to The Star.

But the North London club's valuation remains a long way off the £40m the Blades want for their No1 alone.

After a difficult start following his move back to Bramall Lane from Bournemouth, Ramsdale impressed in the latter stages of last season.

And Arsenal believe he can challenge German stopper Bernd Leno to be Mikel Arteta's first choice between the sticks. 

Berge, meanwhile, missed much of the 2020-21 campaign with injury and has long been tipped for a move away from Bramall Lane.

It is not the first time Arsenal have been linked with the Norwegian, though it is not clear how much the Blades would want for a midfielder with three years remaining on his deal.

In other news

Crystal Palace, Norwich, Southampton and Watford are battling it out to sign Blackburn hotshot Adam Armstrong.

According to Sky Sports, the Eagles are in pole position to snap up the free-scoring striker for £20m.

The other clubs have not met Rovers’ valuation of Armstrong, who netted 28 times in the Championship last term and has one year remaining on his deal.

Elsewhere, The Sun believe Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is continuing to hold out for a move to Arsenal. 

Aouar, 23, has long been on Arteta's shopping list but it appears unlikely a deal will happen this summer.