If you have ever heard that Barcelona star Lionel Messi was linked with a move to the English Premier League outfit Arsenal in the past and doubt that it is true. It has been talked about again.
Lionel Messi’s former agent has recalled how the Argentina international came close to becoming a Gunner in 2003 with former manager Arsene Wenger making an attempt to snap him up.
Speaking to Marca, Fabian Soldini said Lionel Messi was close to joining Arsenal as he was tempted by the offers from the English Premier League side but he later opted not to go.
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According to him, the North London outfit were only able to prise away Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas because he accepted to leave as both were asked by the Catalans to go.
Cesc Fabregas went ahead to develop at the North London club but Lionel Messi became a more prominent figure in the game, and all of the feats would have been achieved in an Arsenal shirt.
With the number of players reported to have been linked with Arsenal under former manager Arsene Wenger, there is no doubt that the Frenchman is one of the best scouts, even as a manager, having identified such talent from a very young age.