European giants want to sign Lionel Messi in shock free transfer as he edges closer to PSG exit
LIONEL MESSI could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.
The Argentinian legend sees his deal expire at the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season.
Messi has the option to extend his stay at PSG by a further year, but he is expected to quit after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
Inter Milan are keen on trying their luck at signing the 35-year-old on a free transfer, claim Calcio Mercato.
The Serie A side believe they can use the relationship their chief and former player Javier Zanetti has with Messi from their days playing together for the Argentina national team.
Meanwhile, Barcelona want to bring the attacker back to the Nou Camp where he spent 21 years.
However, the Catalan giants may not be able to sign him due to ongoing financial issues.
Barca have essentially been placed under a transfer ban by LaLiga until they balance their books and could be forced into selling a number of players.
Retired striker and Messi’s best mate Sergio Aguero remains hopeful that the World Cup hero can go back and finish his career at the club.
Aguero said: “My feeling is that there is a 50 per cent chance that Leo Messi will return. I think that Leo should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here.”
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The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami.
Rumours linking Messi with a switch to a Saudi Arabian club have been shut down by his father, Jorge, who labelled the reports as “fake news”.