Wednesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Achraf Hakimi, Lionel Messi, Carney Chukwuemeka

The January transfer window has now closed, leaving Manchester City to begin looking forward to the summer for their next round of recruitment.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City to rival Arsenal, Chelsea for Achraf Hakimi?

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Manchester City are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi.

The 22-year-old has starred in Serie A this season, contributing six goals and three assists as a wing-back for Antonio Conte's side.

However, it was claimed on Monday that Inter are yet to pay the first installment of their agreement with Real Madrid, putting Hakimi's long-term future at San Siro in doubt.

According to Calciomercato, City are ready to join Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign the Morocco international.

Inter's financial situation and early exit from the Champions League is likely to lead to at least one high-profile sale in the summer.

Hakimi, who cost Inter a fee of £35m in 2020, still has just under four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman "not confident" of Lionel Messi stay

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Ronald Koeman has admitted that he is "not confident" Lionel Messi will stay on at Barcelona beyond this season.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has spent his entire career at Camp Nou, racking up more than 750 appearances for the La Liga giants.

Messi failed in an attempt to leave the club last summer, but he is out of contract in four months' time and is able to open talks with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer.

Barca had been hopeful of persuading Messi to agree fresh terms, though Koeman cannot guarantee that the Argentina international will remain in Catalonia.

"I'm not confident about that," Koeman told The Athletic when asked if he thinks Messi will stay. "I'm hopeful, yes, because he's still a great player and he's still winning matches for us, for the team.

"I'm enjoying being his coach. If you look at his qualities every day in the training sessions, it's incredible. Of course, he came as a young kid to Barcelona. And I still don't see Leo Messi in another shirt other than the Barca shirt."

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are considered the only two realistic destinations for Messi should he depart Barcelona in the summer.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester United, Liverpool 'keeping tabs on Aston Villa teenager'
Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly emerge as the latest clubs to be expressing an interest in Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka. Read more.

Gareth Barry urges Jack Grealish to choose Man City over Man United
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry wants to see Aston Villa's Jack Grealish work under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium one day. Read more.

Manchester City to rival Arsenal, Chelsea for Achraf Hakimi?
A report claims that Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi is attracting interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. Read more.