Inter Milan president Erick Thohir has talked up his side’s chances of signing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward has been linked with a move away from Barca in recent days, and has been tipped to join former mentor Pep Guardiola should the Bayern Munich coach—who’s leaving the Bavarian giants at the end of the year—replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium [The Guardian].
Speaking to Goal, current Citizens stopper Willy Caballero has confirmed his conviction that the Sky Blues could sign Messi.
“That subject is talked about a lot and it’s inevitable not to think or speak about it,” Caballero began, “And then when you think that Kun [Sergio Aguero] is at the club and he’s such a good friend of Messi…
“But until he’s signed or not it’s nothing more than a rumour. But yes, I understand that it’s possible, because this club has massive economic power. The expensive players that the club has at the moment shows that it can deal with high prices.
“Because of that it seems that they can try to sign Messi if he decides to leave Barcelona. No doubt that City can get Messi, but everything depends on what Leo wants to do.”
However, any hopes the Citizens had of having a clear swoop at the diminutive star have been dealt a blow with the news that Serie A leaders Inter are also keen on the player.
While Nerazzurri chief Roberto Mancini—who previously managed City—has not spoken about a potential swoop for Messi, club president Thohir has been less taciturn.
“Messi to Inter? Why not! When he finishes his contract with Barcelona, he’d be a great signing,” the club chief began, writing on the club’s Twitter account, as per Goal.
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“Our strategy is clear: we want to take Inter to the place we deserve, among the best 10 clubs in the world.
“We’re first in the standings after 17 games. We’re a solid team, with a great desire to win.”
Inter currently sit first in Serie A, despite last weekend’s defeat to Lazio. However, despite their current success and their past history—Inter have won three Champions League titles—it remains to be seen whether the current status of Italian football, and the current limitations of the Nerazzurri’s squad could tempt Messi to Lombardy.