Video: United & Arsenal 'Target' Marko Marin

Manchester United and Arsenal are currently fighting with each other for the Premier League title, but come the summer transfer window, they will apparently be fighting for a player labelled as the "German Messi".

The 22 year-old German midfielder, Marko Marin currently plays for Werder Bremen in the Budesliga, where he can perform as an attacking midfielder and winger. He joined Werder Bremen in June of 2009 from Borussia Mönchengladbach and was even included in the German World Cup squad in 2010, making two appearances against both Australia and Serbia. 

He isn't a prolific goalscorer, with only four goals this season for Werder, but his contribution is more through his assists - 6 this season and 14 last season - troubling the defenders and making chances. 

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked to bringing the exciting forward to the Premier League in the past, and now United are reportedly ready to 'intensify' their interest, and make a move for Marin. 

The player has unfortunately been accused of lacking strength on the ball and going down easily in a challenge, but as can be seen below, he has a special quality, especially in his dribbling ability and could be the spark who could light up United next season from a reported £15 million offer.

Arsenal & Liverpool to Fight for German Defender

Pace is gathering on the rumours surrounding Per Mertesacker's future, with reports suggesting that Arsenal and Liverpool will soon go head to head for the German defender's signature.

Arsenal have been linked to Blackburn defender, Chris Samba as well as Mertesacker, but it looks as if, now that the transfer window has opened, Wenger is stepping up his chase for the Werder defender. According to reports, Arsenal have actually tabled a bid of £8.5 million, but the Bundesliga club apparently want a fee more in the region of £10 million.

Roy Hodgson's interest is also clear, as he has apparently had Damien Comolli, the Liverpool director of football strategy watch the 26 year-old last month and has advised the Liverpool board to hand the money over and make his signing a priority. Jamie Carragher is currently out injured with a shoulder injury, and Mertesacker would definitely sure up the Liverpool defence and certainly be a great addition to the Reds squad in general.

Mertesacker is very experienced, with 127 games for his German club and an impressive total of 73 International appearances. He stands at a massive 6 foot 6 inches, and has the ability to score a few from set pieces because of his towering height. A total of 22 career goals mark out the German as a player who can add several advantages to the two sides defence which can sometimes be suspect.

It is likely that the defender would prefer a move to current high flyer's Arsenal in London, as they are more or less guaranteed Champions League football next season, and have a very good chance of winning the Premier League title this season. The chance to be a part of this with Arsenal will probably be far more attractive than a mid-table scrap with a team that are often all over the place. Or maybe he likes a challenge.