Lionel Messi reportedly told Barcelona not to sign Arsenal superstar and other transfer news and rumours of the day - 4th September, 2017

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga
Lionel Messi has again exerted his power at Barcelona

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on September 4, 2017:

La Liga

Lionel Messi told FC Barcelona board not to sign Mesut Ozil

According to multiple reports, Barcelona were hoping to lure Arsenal's much-maligned playmaker Mesut Ozil to Camp Nou on deadline day. It was speculated that Barcelona were ready to offer €60 million for the German star after tasting defeat in their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho. But Don Balon has now revealed that it was Lionel Messi who came in the way of the deal being completed. Messi reportedly felt that Ozil was not the perfect player to help Barcelona in their time of transition and hence requested the club hierarchy to look for other targets.

Failure to land Kylian Mbappe kept BBC intact

The Times has claimed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was ready to dismantle the famous trio of Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo this summer. Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo were linked with moves to Manchester United but the deals never gathered steam. It has now come out into the open that Real Madrid's inability to lure the 18-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu forced Perez to change his transfer plans. If Real Madrid had signed Mbappe then the troika would have been broken to make way for the Frenchman.

Serie A

FC Barcelona v CA Osasuna - La Liga
Andres Iniesta might leave Barcelona on a free transfer

Juventus considering signing Andres Iniesta next summer

According to Tuttosport, the Italian giants are mulling over the possibility of signing Andres Iniesta on a free transfer next summer. Iniesta has less than a year left on his current deal with no talks scheduled to take place between the club and the player. Iniesta's recent revelation where he stated that he is thinking about his future has given Juventus the confidence to make a move for the Spanish maestro.

Milan clubs in for Arturo Vidal

Inter Milan and AC Milan are set to be embroiled in a transfer battle as soon as the January window opens. Calciomercato understands that both the clubs are interested in Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal and are looking to prise him away from the Bundesliga. Vidal is open for a new challenge, with the Italian tabloid also claiming that the Bavarians are keen on offloading the Chilean if their demands are met.

Bundesliga

Germany v Poland - Group C: UEFA Euro 2016
Howedes has joined Juventus on loan

Schalke 04 manager believes Benedikt Howedes will return to the club

German defender Benedikt Howedes has joined Juventus on a season long loan from Schalke 04 amidst rumours of the veteran centre back being disappointed with the stripping of his captaincy duties. He left Schalke in search of regular playing time and due to certain differences with the manager. But contrary to popular belief, Kicker has reported that Schalke boss Dominic Tedesco has said that he can "absolutely see" the defender back at the Veltins Arena after his loan spell ends.

Renato Sanches turned down a move to Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp had reportedly enquired about the possibility of taking Renato Sanches on a season long loan deal only to be left disappointed. It is being reported that Sanches did not believe that he would get regular playing time at Anfield. Liverpool were looking to add depth to their midfield but will now have to be satisfied with their existing bunch.

Premier League

Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League
Arsene Wenger thought of ending his Arsenal stint in May

Arsene Wenger contemplated leaving Arsenal this summer

In an interview with Telefoot, Arsene Wenger has revealed that he thought about leaving the Gunners in May. He said, “Yes I hesitated about signing a new contract for personal reasons. I have been at Arsenal for 20 years and I ask myself all the time if I should continue to run the club. And also because we struggled a lot last season. Coaching a different club would be possible.” Wenger also revealed that Paris Saint-Germain approached him for his services last year.

Premier League giants announce Champions League squads

Some surprising news has popped up today with the English teams in the Champions League announcing their squads for the group stage. Manchester United have included Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their squad whereas Liverpool have included Philippe Coutinho in theirs. Chelsea have left out Diego Costa whereas Vincent Janssen and Erik Lamela miss out for Tottenham Hotspur.

Rest of the world

AS Monaco v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: First Leg
Lemar is eager to move to the Premier League in January

Thomas Lemar open for a move in January

After failing to complete a move to Liverpool or Arsenal on deadline day, Thomas Lemar has now opened the doors for a move in January. L'Equipe reports that AS Monaco are open to selling him for €100 million and will not come in the player's way if their valuation is met. Arsene Wenger also recently revealed that the Gunners will go back for the 21-year-old in January.

Bacary Sagna attracting interest from Leicester City

Currently a free agent, Bacary Sagna is attracting interest from the Foxes at the moment. Leicester City want to tie down the former Manchester City fullback to a two-year deal but his high wage demands might come in the way. West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also in talks with the player's representatives with the Frenchman keen on extending his stay in the Premier League.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram