Pep Guardiola wants Lionel Messi after holding transfer talks | OneFootball

Lionel Messi is set to be the story of the summer after telling Barcelona he will leave the club.

The Argentine informed the club of his desire to leave on Tuesday, citing a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave for free this summer.

Barcelona are set to argue against that clause, saying it has expired, but one thing seems clear: Messi wants out.

And a reunion with Pep Guardiola is on the cards.

According to various reports, the Manchester City boss held talks with Messi prior to Tuesday’s transfer request.

Goal say Guardiola is very interested in a reunion, with City one of the few clubs in the world who could meet Messi’s wage demands. Messi was the crown jewel of Guardiola’s incredible Barcelona sides that won the Champions League in 2009 and 2011.

Guardiola has previously insisted Messi should end his career at Camp Nou but circumstances are very different now.

As well as his former manager, the report also adds Messi would be interested in linking up with international team-mate Sergio Agüero.

Mundo Deportivo claim Messi’s representatives spoke with Man City 10 days ago, with both sides working on how a financial agreement could be reached.

The story of the summer is just beginning.