Barcelona sent shockwaves through the footballing world on Thursday night by confirming Lionel Messi’s departure, while the Premier League’s big hitters are lining up more transfer business

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona days are over after the Catalan giants confirmed his departure on Thursday night.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner now needs to find a new club with the start of the season just a matter of days away.

Thursday proved to be a busy day for transfers, as Jack Grealish also completed his British-record £100million switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City.

That might spell the end of City’s summer business, but their Premier League rivals are reportedly lining up more signings ahead of their first games next weekend.

Arsenal are desparate to bring in a creative player and have stepped up their pursuit of James Maddison, while Chelsea are targeting defensive recruits and Liverpool remain linked with a multitude of midfielders

Stay tuned for the latest confirmed transfers and live updates and gossip from around Europe.

Barca fans gather outside Nou Camp

Hundreds of Barcelona supporters gathered outside the Nou Camp on Thursday to vent their anger and despair after it was announced that Lionel Messi would not sign a new contract with the club.

It had looked practically certain that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner would put pen to paper on a five-year deal, with the player arriving in Catalonia to seal the extension earlier this week.

But on Thursday evening the bombshell news came out that negotiations had broken down, with Barca releasing a statement confirming that Messi would not be renewing.

READ MORE – Stunned Barcelona fans gather at Nou Camp as Lionel Messi’s exit is blamed on La Liga.

Varane set for Man Utd medical

Raphael Varane has landed in Manchester to complete his medical ahead of his move to Man Utd.

The defender’s switch to Old Trafford was held up due to a visa issue, but it seems like has been ironed out.

Varane should be announced as United’s new signing in the coming days.

Emmysongs

Messi and Grealish updates

What did you miss from last night?

Lionel Messi will be playing for a team that isn’t Barcelona next season and Man City sealed a £100million move for Jack Grealish.

So, not much then.

Stick with us for all the latest Messi updates throughout the day – there are sure to be plenty more developments.

Arsenal propose Maddison swap

Arsenal’s pursuit of Leicester City star James Maddison has warmed up over the past couple of weeks.

The Gunners have sounded out their Premier League rivals about an agreement for the England ace but have so fair failed to make a breakthrough.

According to Football.London, Arsenal are set to table a fresh proposal to the Foxes which now includes midfielder Joe Willock as a makeweight.

But Leicester have so far been adamant that they are not interested in a swap deal for Maddison – refusing to budge on their £60m asking price.Arsenal transfer round-up: Fresh James Maddison proposal, Tammy Abraham twist