Barcelona 'want to re-sign Lionel Messi, Neymar this summer'

The club's president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Messi is a leading target for the La Liga champions, with the Argentina international preparing to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Messi is thought to have big-money offers from Saudi Arabia, but he is said to be keen to return to Camp Nou following his emotional exit in the summer of 2021.

Barcelona's financial problems led to the experienced attacker departing on a free transfer, with PSG signing him on a two-year deal, which is due to expire at the end of June.

Neymar, meanwhile, represented the Catalan outfit between 2013 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during a highly-successful spell alongside Messi.

According to FootballTransfers, Barcelona are considering re-signing both Messi and Neymar ahead of next season.

A move for Messi would be less complicated than Neymar, as the former is set to become a free agent at the end of June.

However, the World Cup winner's astronomical salary would have to be taken into account, with Barcelona needing to make space in their wage budget.

Messi has scored 20 goals and registered 19 assists in 38 appearances for PSG this season, and there is a clause in his current deal allowing him to extend his stay in Paris until June 2024.

However, the Argentine will move on this summer and could be joined by Neymar, who is also being heavily linked with a move away from the French champions.

The Brazil international has scored 18 goals and registered 17 assists in 29 appearances at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, and he has another two years left to run on his deal.

Manchester United and Chelsea have recently been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old, with PSG said to be open to letting him leave on loan.

Barcelona are allegedly prepared to 'sell some of their biggest stars' in order to make room in the budget to complete what would be a sensational return for the duo.

Saudi Arabia reportedly remains 'a serious open' for Messi, but Barcelona will continue to fight hard to re-sign the 35-year-old over the summer.