Lionel Messi is urging Ousmane Dembele to stick with Barcelona.

Arsenal chief Sven Mislintat has admitted his interest in the France attacker this past week.

Just Sunday, the troubled Barcelona star angered chiefs yesterday by turning up two hours late for a light training session, but his team-mates are prepared to turn a blind eye to his off the field antics and attitude.

But Messi, after victory at Espanyol, says: "We are happy for Dembele. Today he has scored again.

"He is animated and will do very well. We need Dembele."

Messi's comments will no doubt come as a blow to the Gunners, who were eyeing up a January swoop for the World Cup winner.