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Barcelona news: Lionel Messi issues Mesut Ozil signing warning to Nou Camp chiefs
LIONEL MESSI has intervened in Barcelona’s attempts to sign Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, it has been claimed.
Paul Mariner: Ozil needs players to cover him to be sensational
Barcelona bosses are reportedly interested in a swoop for the Germany international, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Reports in Spain yesterday indicated Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to sell Ozil to the Catalan giants in a bid to stop him joining Premier League rivals Manchester United.
However, Nou Camp king Messi could scupper a possible deal.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Messi has caught wind that Ozil is asking for a salary worth £16.9m (€19m) - the same as Luis Suarez.
He is reportedly not against signing Ozil but believes Barcelona chiefs should not meet his pay demands.
Lionel Messi is unhappy with Mesut Ozil's demands
And Don Balon claim Messi has expressed his concerns to the club’s board.
The Argentine reportedly fears Ozil’s arrival on a mega wage would disrupt the harmony in dressing room.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Messi and Suarez would be delighted with the signing of Ozil.
"I don’t think he would be a bad signing," he said.
Mesut Ozil is reportedly demanding £16.9m (€19m) per season
"Everyone knows his calibre. Look at who he would be assisting – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez... they are not going to turn him down because they know his vision.
"But the next step for him was to become a Messi or a [Cristiano] Ronaldo type player – more ruthless.
"Going to a situation like that at Barcelona admits he is a provider rather than someone who can be a No 1.
"Most of the time he looks like he is playing for fun. When he’s happy, he plays well. But when he’s not happy, he doesn’t."
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