Playing With Lionel Messi Is 'Not A Dream,' Barcelona Prospect Says

A Barcelona transfer prospect has explained why playing with Lionel Messi is not a dream.

Following a hot start this season, Osasuna forward Chimy Avila quickly became a transfer target. Reports claim that the 26-year-old was linked to a possible transfer to three big clubs – Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona. However, an untimely injury put an end to the transfer talks.

In a recent interview with Goal.com, Avila revealed his thoughts about the transfer rumors and the possibility of playing with Barca captain Messi.

According to Avila, he was never focused on any of the said transfer talks. At the moment, he is solely motivated in getting back in his best form at Osasuna but hinted that the doors are still open for future deals.

"I was only thinking about achieving survival with Osasuna. I didn't think about those things. Maybe when I'm back my agent he will tell me things," Avila said.

Avila was also asked to comment about Barcelona and his fellow Argentine Messi. The former SD Huesca star said everyone wants to play alongside “Leo” but at this point, it is not his dream. Avila further explained that he has to deal with the obstacles first before thinking about the said possibility.

"Everyone would like to play with him because he's the best in the world. But it's not a dream, as such. All of this has to be overcome first, but it could happen with the national team as well [as at Barcelona]," Avila said of Messi.

The Catalans were among the favorites to land Avila in January, but those dreams came crashing down when he suffered a season-ending injury against Levante. Barcelona instead signed Martin Braithwaite as attacking depth.

It didn’t take long for clubs to notice Avila’s talent after he scored nine goals and added two assists in La Liga before suffering the said injury. In the process he instantly emerged as Osasuna's top attacking option during the first half of the season.

However, Avila’s injury was indeed a major setback as reports claim that clubs have lost interest in him. Barcelona is now expected to invest in a younger, high-upside forward in the summer. Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez frequently mentioned as their top target

Meanwhile, Barcelona is reportedly prioritizing new contracts for Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu and CEO Oscar Grau are said to be already working on the two extensions and aware that both players intend to continue. Messi’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and Bartomeu is reportedly handling his renewal at the moment.