Arsenal are set to match Everton’s offer of £60,000 a week for Gareth Barry, who is available on a free transfer after he left Manchester City.
Read more Arsenal transfer news.
Having passed up the opportunity of bringing Cesc Fabregas back to the club, Arsene Wenger has turned his attentions to a somewhat cheaper option, with free agent Gareth Barry now on the radar of the Gunners boss according to reports from talkSPORT.
Barry had been expected to agree a move to Everton, the club where he spent a successful loan spell last season, but the Emirates Stadium has now emerged as a realistic destination for the former Aston Villa holding midfielder.
It has been suggested that the Toffees have offered Barry a two-year deal, with the option of a third, and a wage packet of £60,000 a week, but it is now believed that the Gunners are willing to match Everton’s proposed wage packet.
The length of contract that Arsenal are considering offering to Barry has not been disclosed, however, and could still turn out to be a vital component of the midfielder’s thinking, with a potentially shorter deal at Arsenal offering less security than Everton but more potential to take home major honours.
Former England international Barry enjoyed something of a swansong under Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park last season after his career appeared to be winding down at Manchester City and he may also be keen to repay the faith shown in him by the Spaniard.
COMMENTS