Transfer News: Messi Set For Shock Move? | Arsenal & Man Utd Battle Over Striker

Although the summer transfer window is officially closed that doesn’t stop clubs working hard behind the scenes to prepare for future signings, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest gossip. Today, there are reports that Lionel Messi could make a shock move to Manchester City while Manchester United are ready to fight Arsenal for Javier Hernandez.

Messi set for shock move?

First up and the Daily Mail are reporting that Lionel Messi – the greatest player on the planet – could make a shock move to Manchester City after next summers World Cup.

On the face of it, this news seems like nothing more than idle speculation but the reporter is adamant he has it on good information that Messi is becoming increasingly frustrated at being forced to play for Barcelona while not 100% fit and may be tempted by a move after the 2014 WC in Brazil.

The Argentine has not been himself this season, despite still managing to score 14 goals in 16 games, with a series of niggling injuries hampered his performances. He’s been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring strain after being forced to play by Barca while not fully fit and it seems he’s growing tired of putting his body on the line.

No fee has been suggested by the Mail, as it’s virtually impossible to imagine the kind of money it would take to land the 26-year-old, but it’s fair to say that City are one of the few clubs who could potentially afford him.

The report suggests that the Eastlanders could use sponsors Nike to leverage a deal and claim that City officials have already been in touch with a number of ‘super agents’ and instructed them to start trying to broker a move.

It sounds more than a little far-fetched to me, but I suppose in the modern-day world of football where money talks, you can never rule anything out.

United ready to fight for Hernandez

Next and the Daily Star are reporting that Manchester United are ready to fight off interest  in striker Javier Hernandez from Arsenal by offering the hitman a new deal to stay at the club.

The Mexican is struggling to secure first team football under new boss David Moyes with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney well ahead of him in the pecking order.

With the World Cup just around the corner, this has led to speculation he could look for a move away in order to find regular action and the Star claim that Arsenal have shown interest in taking him to the Emirates.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is light of alternatives up top with Olivier Giroud the only viable option at his disposal and Hernandez would certainly offer something different to the Frenchman.

However, the newspaper suggests that Moyes still see’s ‘Chicharito’ as part of his long-term plans and United chiefs are ready to open talks with the strikers representatives about a new deal.

The 25-year-old has just over two years left to run on his current contract but may need some persuading that he’s going to see more playing time on the pitch before he commits his future to Old Trafford, so there could still be hope for Arsenal that they could pull off a deal.

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So there’s your latest transfer news. Do you think there’s any chance Messi would consider a move to City? Will Hernandez stay at United? Share your views below.