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Lionel Messi ACCEPTED Arsenal transfer

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Rob Parker
 @ October 3rd, 2014

Lionel Messi accepted a transfer from Barcelona to Arsenal as a 16-year-old, according to reports.

The Argentinian maestro was spotted by Arsenal Wenger and his scouts playing in Barca’s youth team.

The Gunners reportedly approach Messi’s family to discuss a move to England in 2003.

Wenger is said to have presented a detailed plan that mapped out the young Messi’s career and promised to fast-track him into the Arsenal first-team almost immediately.

Messi’s family were impressed with the proposal and accepted the deal.

But the transfer hit a dead-end when Arsenal attempted to secure a visa for the youngster.

The Gunners wrangled with the Home Office in an attempt to secure a work permit for Messi but eventually had to pull out of the deal.

They did manage to land his team-mate Cesc Fabregas with a similar promise of senior football.

An approach for fellow youth-teamer Gerard Pique failed because he joined Manchester United instead.

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