Lionel Messi would ruin 'balance' at PSG if he makes sensational transfer from Barcelona, fears Arsenal legend Wenger

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN would upset the balance of their star-studded squad by signing Lionel Messi, according to Arsene Wenger.

Messi's long-term future with Barca has been up in the air ever since he demanded the club let him leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer in the summer.

The prospect of a legal battle with his employers prompted the 33-year-old – whose contract with the Catalans expires at the end of the season – to perform a U-turn.

Messi is expected to leave the Spaniards next summer, with Sunsport understanding Premier League big boys Manchester City are interested in signing him in January.

PSG are also said to hold an interest in landing the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, with the Ligue 1 side one of the few teams able to afford his astronomical wages.

If PSG were to snap up Messi, his arrival would make their strike force the deadliest in world football.

But Wenger reckons the signing would disrupt the balance PSG have on the pitch with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and would wreak havoc with their finances.

The former Arsenal boss told Europe 1: "Lionel Messi is one of the two best players in the world. Those who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are already at PSG.

"After that, it's a question of balance in the club, a technical balance and a financial balance. Can you keep the balance at PSG by bringing in players like Messi? I'm not sure."

Messi's former Barca team-mate Neymar recently talked up a potential reunion with the Argentina international.

The Brazilian's comments were played down by PSG sporting director Leonardo, who told Canal+: "It's normal for Neymar to say that to an Argentinian journalist. He had to talk about Messi, it's normal.

"We have to maintain respect for others. He's a Barcelona player. When somebody talks about our players, we are not happy.

"So we don't touch other people's players. Now is not the time to think about the transfer window. We are very happy with the squad we have."

Messi and his Barcelona team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Levante to the Nou Camp.

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