Lionel Messi considered Arsenal transfer

Barcelona's Legendary forward Lionel Messi was reportedly keen on a switch to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.

The 27-year-old had an excellent World Cup with the Argentina national side, as they finished runners-up to eventual champions Germany.

Spanish source Vozpopuli claims that the Argentine considered a switch to the Emirates earlier in the summer, and had talked to his agent Darren Dein regarding logistics of a potential transfer to the North London giants.

However, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner agreed on a fresh deal with the Catalans after his then team-mate Cesc Fabregas was deemed to be in talks with the Gunners over a summer switch, before he decided to sign for London rivals Chelsea.

It is understood that even if Messi had decided to quit Barca this summer, the Gunners would have found it hard to raise adequate funds to finance the deal.