Could this £3.5m target really make an impact at Arsenal?

Whilst long-term rivals, Manchester United are picking up links to Gareth Bale, Arsenal are currently flirting with signing… wait for it… Gareth Barry.

Let the excitement wash over you!

Barry has led a strangely charmed existence in the footballing world. Despite offering very little, The Englishman has played a major role at Manchester City over the years. He’s also become increasingly important for the International team (a sign of the times, perhaps?)

Before City, he was captain at Aston Villa. He scored 52 goals in 441 games for the club. At this time, he was extremely highly regarded and City were willing to pay £12m for his services.

Still, it’s difficult to see how he’s managed to keep a hold of his place at City. His paymasters can afford to sign just about anybody in world-football, but in Barry’s case, they’ve chosen to stick rather than twist. Last year he made 41 appearances for a club that is full with midfield talent.

In a way, I can’t help but admire him for hanging in there (and earning £100k-a-week to do so!)

But his time at City seems to be coming to an end. Barry has just a year left on his contract and there are no signs that a new deal will be signed.

According to The Sun, (in an article called, ‘”Cash ‘n Barry” – good job!) Arsenal are readying a surprise bid to sign the 32-year-old midfielder. This must be music to fan’s ears!

The Sun at least does the fans the courtesy of noting that Arsenal would not be willing to match his current wages at City and that Barry would not necessarily be a regular starter. He’d also cost just £3.5m. Bargain, right?

This begs the question: why bother badgering Barry in the first place? It’s not as though Arsenal’s squad is full of world-beaters. The Gunners need to be looking at players who will improve the first team, not have-a-go squad-players. This looks like the lowest of all low priority signings.

I feel like I’m probably being a bit harsh on Barry here. He’s not a bad player by any means. On his day, he can be quite effective. But he’s not what Arsenal need at this moment in time. Arsenal have been linked to up-and-comers like Lars Bender and Marouane Fellaini. With players like this in the Gunners’ contact book, it’s difficult to see why they’d dedicate time to signing Barry.

Let’s just hope Wenger has his priorities right.

What’s your take? Should Arsenal really make a move for Gareth Barry?

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