PSG begin negotiations with ex-Barcelona star to replace Lionel Messi: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reportedly identified former Barcelona player Alexis Sanchez as a surprise replacement for Lionel Messi this summer.
The Argengine is reportedly set to leave Parc des Princess this summer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
As per reports, both PSG and Messi have failed to come to terms with a new deal that would keep the 35-year-old forward at the club beyond this season.
Lionel Messi back with the PSG squad 😎 https://t.co/o00hT3G8wg
While there isn't any concrete report as to where Messi would be plying his trade next season, PSG, on the other hand are currently looking out for the Argentine's replacement.
A couple of names have been linked as possible options to replace the veteran Argentine star pending his departure this summer, with Manchester City's Bernado Silva being one of them. However, City themselves are believed to be reluctant to parting ways with Silva this summer as they consider him an integral part of their team.
Recall that Silva once again proved his worth for Manchester City during their semi-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid at the Eithad Stadium, by scoring two goals in a 4-0 rout of Los Blancos. As such, it would possibly require a hefty transfer offer from PSG in a bid to soften Manchester City's stance on the 28-year-old Portuguese international this summer.
Meanwhile, PSG are reportedly also looking out for cheaper options to replace Messi, and are perhaps eyeing his former Barcelona teammate Alexis Sanchez.
The 34-year-old Chilean forward is having a remarkable season at Ligue 1 club Marseille. Sanchez joined Marseille last summer on a two-year deal after mutually terminating his contract with Italian giants Inter Milan.
The Chilean international has since gone on to re-ignite his career with Les Phocéens, scoring a combined total of 18 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season.
Sanchez is currently one of the top performing players in the Ligue 1 this season, having bagged 14 goals and three assists. He could be the ideal target to replace Messi at PSG on a short-term basis.
How has Lionel Messi performed for PSG this season?
Despite speculations linking the vetetan Argentine forward with a surprise move away from Parc des Princess this summer, the 35-year-old star has enjoyed a relatively remarkable campaign this season.
The former Barcelona forwad has so far registered a combined total of 20 goals and 19 assists in 38 games for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions this season.
Lionel Messi's PSG team-mates are standing by him 💪 https://t.co/bInUc2C0iB
He is currently the club's second highest goals and assists provider this season with a combined total of 39, just behind Kylian Mbappe who leads with 46 goal contributions.
It's left to be seen as to what the future holds for Messi and where he will be playing next season, as his current contract with PSG comes to an end this summer.