Wenger steps up Barry pursuit 22/08/2008 - 07:20:15
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed his interest in Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
The 27-year-old looked set to join Liverpool this summer but the two clubs have been unable to agree a deal.
Wenger is in the market for a central midfielder following Mathieu Flamini’s move to AC Milan, although Villa’s £18m price tag could be a stumbling block.
“There is always interest,” Wenger said. “I cannot tell you much more. He’s one of the players we follow.
“I find Barry a good player. The problems with players who are 27, 28 is that you pay big money but you get nothing back, no resale.”
Meanwhile, England boss Fabio Capello claims the uncertainty over Barry’s future has affected his form for the national team following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.
“At the moment the Liverpool situation means he is not at his best,” Capello said. “That is my opinion.”
Wenger has already dipped into the transfer market this week with defender Mikael Silvestre moving from Manchester United.
The Gunners manager revealed that Silvestre was close to signing for Manchester City before opting to move to north London.
“He was in advanced talks with Manchester City already,” Wenger told the Daily Express.
“I don’t know whether he finished the medical or not, he can explain to you, but I heard he was completely free.”
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed his interest in Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
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