Arsenal Transfer News: 'Japanese Messi' Takefusa Kubo Sparks Fresh Rumours

The Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to uphold Barcelona's transfer embargo has opened the door for Arsenal to make a move for Takefusa Kubo, a 13-year-old Japanese prodigy dubbed "the Japanese Messi."

Kubo and his family picked the Catalans over Arsenal and Manchester City back in 2012, but as reported by the Daily Mirror's Ben Curtis, the youngster will be ineligible to play for the Blaugrana until his 18th birthday:

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Arsenal and Manchester City could go back in for Barcelona starlet Takefusa Kubo after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled he can't play for the Spanish giants.

The 13-year-old, known as Take, became the first victim of Barca's FIFA ban for breaking rules on signing minors when the CAS last week confirmed that he wouldn't be able to play for the club until his 18th birthday.

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Kubo was heavily scouted and courted and, at the age of 11, moved to Spain to join Barcelona's famed Masia academy, turning down a host of interested clubs in the process.

His father reportedly stayed behind in Japan, and according to El Mundo Deportivo (h/t Barcastuff), he is expected to return to the country of his birth for the foreseeable future:

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Barcelona youth player Takefusa Kubo (13), who can't play official games at Barcelona until he's 18, could return to Japan. [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) December 31, 2014"

Like four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, Kubo has made a big impression during his time at La Masia. The starlet routinely made a mockery of his opponents with his exceptional dribbling skills and remarkable vision, showing everyone why he was so coveted at such a young age.

The Gunners and Citizens are now expected to attempt to persuade Kubo and his family to join their youth ranks instead of moving back home. City will likely pitch their new Academy stadium as a strong selling point, having recently presented the facility to the public, via Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan.

Kubo is the first of Barcelona's army of potential superstars to fall victim to the CAS' ruling, and he likely won't be the last. Clubs all over the continent will keep a keen eye on developments, knowing they can swoop in at any time and steal away one of La Masia's most prized assets.

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