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Breaking: Huge Update in Manchester City’s pursuit of Lionel Messi

By Amrit Santlani

Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Napoli at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Napoli at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Manchester City’s hopes of reuniting Pep Guardiola with his apprentice Lionel Messi seem to be all but over as the Argentine is set to put pen to paper on an astonishing new deal.

For the past one year, Messi has been linked to various clubs, including Manchester City, however, the little magician is on the verge of signing a new deal with Barcelona, a reported 5-year contract that will see Messi prolong his stay until June 2026.

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While this might come as a huge blow to Manchester City, it was quite evident for the past few weeks that Messi would be staying put at Barca. He recently became a free agent after the Blaugrana convinced Messi to take a massive 50 per cent wage cut on his previous deal.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Leo Messi over as he edges closer to new Barca deal

As per a report from Goal, the 34-year-old pocketed approximately €75m (£64m/$89m) per season, for the last 5 years, however, due to a major economic crisis at the Nou Camp, Messi has accepted a huge pay cut to prolong his status as a one-man club.

An official confirmation regarding the same is soon expected, and this, all but ends the chance for Manchester City to bring Messi to the Etihad. Clubs like PSG and David Beckham owned Inter Miami were also interested in the little magician, but he decided not to look for pastures anew.

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Having recently led Argentina to victory in the Copa America, and in the process, winning his first-ever international trophy, Messi will now return to the Nou Camp after his holidays, for yet another challenging La Liga campaign next season.

Barring a few minor details, Barcelona have put everything in place to welcome back their talisman, as Manchester City turn their attention towards the likes of Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.

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City have made the Tottenham skipper their priority this summer, alongside Grealish, although neither of them would come for cheap.

This should be an interesting summer transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether Man City can pull off the coup of landing one or both of their targets.

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