Messi's dad begins talks with Man City over free transfer next summer as Chelsea risk losing Willian to Barca

Sport360 staff 10:10 24/08/2017
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  • Another day in football, another wave of transfer rumours to keep up with. Take a look at the most recent names and gossip being floated around in the media.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts by getting in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    LIONEL MESSI

    Lionel Messi’s father Jorge has opened talks with Manchester City over a move for the Barcelona superstar next summer, reports the Sun.

    Barcelona have maintained that Messi will stay at the club, but following Neymar’s world record move to PSG, the possibility of a club paying his €300 million buyout clause seems realistic.

    The Argentine has agreed to sign a new four year deal at the Camp Nou, but has still not put pen to paper.

    With no contract signed, the 29-year-old has been linked strongly with a move to the Etihad Stadium in 2018, due to his close relationship with Pep Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain.

    RATING: 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Messi may have stalled a new Barcelona contract but he is expected to stay at the Camp Nou beyond next summer.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is understandably in no rush to sort out a new deal and will bide his time until a much improved offer comes along, despite strong links to Manchester.

    Lionel Messi.

    Lionel Messi.

    WILLIAN

    Chelsea winger Willian is in pole position to replace Neymar at Barcelona, according to France Football.

    The Brazilian has been unhappy at Stamford Bridge due to restricted game time since Antonio Conte took over last summer.

    And while Chelsea would be reluctant to sell their star due to a wafer thin squad, Barca see Willian as the perfect player to add attacking potency on the left flank.

    RATING 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Barcelona are in desperate need of attackers following the loss of Neymar to PSG, and a move away from Stamford Bridge could be a significant boost for Willian.

    Willian was a starring presence from the bench last season but having only started 15 Premier League games under Antonio Conte, the Brazilian is deserving of more first-term action.

    The 29-year-old would also come much cheaper than either Coutinho or Dembele.

    Willian

    Willian

    ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

    Liverpool and Chelsea target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to sign a deal with Arsenal despite getting an extended first-team role, according to the Telegraph.

    The 24-year-old’s current contract expires next summer and boss Arsene Wenger had hoped he would sign an extension with the club reportedly offering more than £100,000 per week.

    Neither Liverpool or Chelsea have made a formal offer but may still do so before the window closes next Thursday.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    With one year to run on his current contract, Arsenal face a dilemma on whether to let Oxlade-Chamberlain go or offer him a bigger deal.

    Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to seek more opportunities in his preferred central midfield role having deployed in a wing-back position to begin the season.

    A move away from the Emirates Stadium may be exactly what the 23-year-old needs as he has been an inconsistent presence in Arsene Wenger’s starting lineup recently.

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

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