Arsenal chasing Romanian Messi

Arsenal are keeping an eye on Udinese midfielder Gabriel Torje, with reports claiming that they sent scouts to watch him at last weekend's game against Atalanta.

Torje, 21, is of similar size as Messi and is renowned for his ball control as well. He signed for Udinese only this year and thus Arsenal have a task on their hands if they wish to sign him in January.

Torje has already represented his country 13 times and also scored twice against Luxembourg last month in a Euro 2012 qualifier.