According to reports in Spain, Lionel Messi was keen on a move to Arsenal last season, in a transfer that would have shocked fans and pundits.
The Barcelona forward was locked in negotiations with the La Liga side over a new deal, which he eventually signed in May 2014.
Top Spanish website Vozpopuli, however claims he was ready to make a switch to the Emirates, if Barcelona did not make him the highest paid player in the world. Messi allegedly spoke to former Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas, to sound his agent Darren Dein out about a potential move.
Messi currently earns £16m a year in wages and has a buy-out clause set at £197m.
