LONDON, November 28- Four-time World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi is reportedly set to reject Manchester United and Arsenal in favour of a mega-money move to Chelsea at the end of the season.
The Argentina international, who recently became the all-time record goal scorer in both La Liga (253) and the Champions League (74), has been strongly tipped with a move away from Barcelona, where he has plied his trade for the last 14 years.
Both the Red Devils and Gunners are believed to be ready to splash the eye-bulging £200m it would reportedly cost to sign the 27-year-old, whose Barca are currently second in the Primera Liga standings, behind current leaders Real Madrid.
However, reports in England claim the forward is determined to snub both those clubs in favour of joining the Blues.
A big factor in that proposed decision is Messi’s desire to link up with long-time friend Cesc Fabregas, who is also a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, and who departed the Nou Camp for Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the current season.
Barca have, however, been adamant regarding the fact Messi will not be going anywhere anytime soon, with the Catalan giants determined to keep hold of the superstar who has inspired so much title glory over the past few years.
However, the allure of testing himself outside of Spain’s top flight may be too much for Messi to ignore, and Chelsea seem a likely destination, with the west London giants currently leading the Premier League after 12 games, while they are also through to the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare.