Fresh Arsenal understands that Arsenal have contacted Everton over the possibility of signing midfielder Ross Barkley on deadline day. Arsenal have been monitoring the situation of Barkley all summer and it is thought that £30million will be enough to sign the 23-year-old.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation of Barkley on deadline day, with the Blues having a £25million bid rejected earlier this week.
Arsenal could view Barkley as an option in the front three, or perhaps as a backup and long term successor for Mesut Ozil in a midfield three if the club revert to this formation.
Arsenal are said to be sounding out possible signings with the anticipation that Alexis Sanchez will leave the club and join Manchester City today. At this stage, Barkley and Draxler appear to be the most likely to arrive as replacements, with the Gunners open to signing both players, should Alexis leave.
The 6ft 2′ midfielder would add some physicality to Arsenal’s attacking options. Not only his height, but the player is quite boisterous and strong with his style of play. With 22 caps to his name, Barkley is clearly talented but still has a lot of his game to work on.
Barkley has played 150 games for Everton but he is not wanted by Koeman and despite currently being injured, the player is almost certain to leave the club today. Everton are publicly asking for £35million, but £30million is likely to be enough.
It’s worth noting that Barkley’s current injury is likely to see him ruled out of action for at least 6 more weeks.
More to come…