Barcelona will supposedly have to cut £171m from their wage bill if Lionel Messi ends up penning a new deal with the club.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner tried and failed to force an exit last year, but president Joan Laporta is increasingly confident that fresh terms can ultimately be agreed before next season.
With La Blaugrana battling debts close to €1bn (£859m), the club are understandably focusing on the signings of free agents such as Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia while Messi's contract situation is prioritised.
According to RAC1, Messi renewing his deal would force Barcelona to free up £171m in wages, which could lead to a mass Camp Nou exodus involving several fringe players.
Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic and Junior Firpo are among those facing uncertain futures in Catalonia, while French duo Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele have also been linked with exits in recent weeks.
Messi ended the 2020-21 season with 38 goals and 14 assists under his belt from 47 appearances, and he boasts one goal and one assist from three Copa America matches for Argentina so far.
Ben Knapton
