Barcelona News: Lionel Messi thought Arsenal star Mesut Ozil would be a poor buy - report

LIONEL MESSI stopped Barcelona from signing Arsenal star Mesut Ozil this summer, it has been claimed.

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Barcelona endured a nightmare transfer window, losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and failing with bids for Philippe Coutinho and Angel Di Maria.

Lionel Messi is known to be frustrated with their activity, with reports suggesting he is considering his future at the Nou Camp as a result of their failure to land several big names.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims the Argentina international’s influence had a bearing on what unfolded this summer.

It is said Messi stopped Barcelona from signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.

Barcelona News: Lionel Messi stopped a move for Arsenal star Mesut Ozil

Ozil’s future in north London remains uncertain beyond the current campaign.

The Germany international’s contract expires next summer and, like team-mate Alexis Sanchez, he is currently unwilling to sign an extension.

Don Balon say Messi saw him as the wrong sort of player that Barcelona should be pursuing.

And, as a result of him communicating his feelings to the club’s hierarchy, they opted against bidding for the Real Madrid star.

Barcelona News Arsenal Mesut OzilGETTY

Barcelona News: Lionel Messi stopped a move for Arsenal star Mesut Ozil

Barcelona News Arsenal Mesut OzilGETTY

Barcelona News: Arsenal star Mesut Ozil was considered

Ozil was not the only former Los Blancos player that nearly signed for Barcelona.

The La Liga giants were also unsuccessful in their attempts to prise Angel Di Maria away from PSG.

Di Maria was identified as a late alternative to Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, who was their top target.

Yet Barcelona were unable to snap him up, with PSG’s price demands forcing them to give up. 

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