The Barcelona ace was reportedly so disgruntled with things at Camp Nou that he apparently sounded out a move to England.

They certainly do not call the summer transfer window "the silly season" for nothing.

But, by far, this story is the most incredible--and not necessarily in a good way--but rather because it's so unbelievable that it should make even the most gullible individual raise one's eyebrows in disbelief.

According to the Metro (as per Spanish publication Vozpopuli) things were going so badly for Lionel Messi and his contract negotiations at Barcelona that the Argentine ace did the unthinkable.

No, he did not try to orchestrate a move to the Blaugrana's arch rivals Real Madrid. However, the report claims that he attempted to put out feelers for a move...to the Premier League.

Not the newly cash-rich Manchester City, but rather to Arsenal. The reason? His good friend Cesc Fabregas.

The London connection: Messi, with former teammate and friend Fabregas, apparently discussed a move to Arsenal with the former Gunners captain

Furthermore, the report goes on to claim that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner is a "huge fan of Arsene Wenger and his [training] methods" and was close to joining their youth academy as a child before moving to Spain.

Well, considering that the 27-year-old makes £16 million or so per season, this obviously is something that would never have happened...and more important, all ended well as he got his new contract and looks set to be at Camp Nou for many more years to come.