Lionel Messi stepped in to stop Barcelona from signing Mesut Ozil from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, according to a report. The Catalan giants were desperately seeking an attacking midfielder in the latter stages of the window after seeing a number of bids rejected for Philippe Coutinho. Among those reportedly being considered by boss Ernesto Valverde as a back-up choice was Ozil, who recently entered the final 12 months of his Emirates Stadium deal. Spanish outlet Don Balon suggests that, despite the 28-year-old's Real Madrid past, a bid was in the offing if not for Messi's intervention. Messi did not feel the transfer would represent good business for his side, it is...
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