Arsenal are currently holding talks with Gareth Barry, according to reports. In a story broke by The Sun last week, LadyArse.co.uk last night claimed they had an exclusive and Arsenal were going to meet with Barry today (Tuesday). The Star have picked up on this and thrown in a few figures to make it a story.
The Star report that Barry would cost £4million and would demand wages of around £75,000 per-week on a one year deal. I can’t see Arsenal paying that much for him. £2million and £50,000 per-week is the most we should be paying in my opinion.
With Francis Coquelin going out on loan from a team that is already lacking defensive midfielder, Gareth Barry’s arrival would not close the door to a big name arrival in that area. The English midfielder who would count as homegrown in the squad registration would provide experienced cover to Mikel Arteta and allow other midfielders to be more expressive with their attacking talents.
Here is an extract from the story published by the Star today:
‘Gareth Barry has opened talks with Arsenal over a possible £4m move to the Emirates.
The England midfielder, who is in the final 12 months of his £100,000-aweek deal at Manchester City, fears he won’t be part of new boss Manuel Pellegrini’s plans.
And Starsport understands the Gunners are in pole position to sign Barry.’
Photo via Dagur Brynjólfsson