Sunday 13 July 2008

Coincidence, Gilberto out, Barry in?

With Gilberto's exit imminent soon I was wondering whether his departure coincided with the fact that Arsenal have been linked with Gareth Barry.

I wrote on Friday that I think Le Boss will promote a player from within the squad to play alongside Cesc next season in midfield with Diaby the likely option for me.

However, it's clear we need to add to a squad that gets stretched during the season so a player coming in would make sense in more ways than one.

I also feel that Aston Villa boss O'Neill would rather do business with Arsenal than Liverpool after he criticised the Anfield club's conduct in pursuing Barry.

Liverpool's relationship with Villa has become frosty after several bouts of negotiations and a stalemate for the player has risen.

The obvious obstacle's are the price and the fact that Barry seems to have his heart set on a move to Liverpool. I can't see Le Boss paying £18m for Barry so a lower bid plus add-ons or a squad player in exchange is more likely.

Whether we could get Barry to join after he openly admits to wanting to play for Liverpool would be hard. However, hopefully Wenger can work his magic on Barry and persuade him otherwise.

Barry would be a great signing. He would fit into Arsenal's style of play and although he has a lack of pace he more than makes up for this with his vision and clever speed of thought.

The main thing for me though with Barry is his consistency. He performs well every game and that's what we need after the form Flamini showed last season. Barry could make Cesc tick as well as Flamini did, as well as providing balance with his trusty left foot.

Has Le Boss got an option in mind with Gilberto leaving and is it Barry? Or will he stick with what he has even when Gilberto leaves?

Keep it Goonerish.....

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

can't see it happening - too much money and too english. i reckon toure will be played in central midfield.

Anonymous said...

Good read.

I'd love it but can't see this happening.

Wenger won't sign another player this summer.

Mark my words.

Anonymous said...

would love arsenal to buy barry...
Wenger has to change his policy on transfers. Man u and chelsea have won many things during the last 3/4years. arsenal have won nothing!! i dont think its a coincidence. im not saying arsenal waste their money like the spuds or the scouse but i say he should spend his money wisely on players that are needed and are available. Carrick, and Hargreaves aint worth £18m but thats how much man u paid for them. They both contributed in man uniteds sucess this season. Bring in Barry, sell Gilberto and Hoyte ( i cant believe hoyte is still on the payroll!!!-got ate alive by ronni!!!)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, what ever you say goona.

Coz you've got Wenger;s ear innit.

Sheeeeeeeesh!

Anonymous said...

As a Villa fan, I’d prefer to see Barry go to the Arsenal, just to stick two fingers up to Rafa. I also think he’d be good for your style of play.
One thing though, he has no pace whatsoever, contrary to what was said earlier. But he more than makes up for it with his speed of thought and vision. He very rarely makes a bad pass and this is where his real strength lies, in that his consistency is second to none.

Anonymous said...

Dont see it happening,as the Bischoff dude might be coming in wen uefart decide on bremen's compensation. I have a feeling we might change our formation next season to accomodate most players. I know it sounds ludicrous but we might play 4-3-3 to accomodate our strikers and also nasri and Cesc in the middle. But hey thats jst my thoughts. As for Barry, dont think Le Boss will pay 18 mill, think Veloso has more of a chance than barry. Gooner4life!!!

Anonymous said...

We all know arsenal contacted aston villa about barry without lodging a bid. I believe that Wenger enquired about his availability because he wants him on loan. Everybody wins. Barry plays Champions league football and guaranteed starting line-up. Arsenal get a quality holding midfielder for a season without paying a transfer fee and O'Neil gets the chance to say 'up yours' to the scouse,still own barry, yet not pay his wage package for the year.
Don't be surprised if you hear a deal like this being rumoured soon.

leon said...

unless gilberto has hd change of mind he is staying he always expressed his which to stay at arsenalthe rest of his career despie the fact he spend most of least seaseon on the bench,

barry wouldnvever go to arsenal,he is to old,to slow and to expensive,wenger goes for young mega talented players,and although barry is good is not world class.

Anonymous said...

Barry is too old?!!!

He's 27 FFS!

He would be perfect and I admit he isn't the quickest around but as Wrighty7 say's he makes up for that because he is such a clever player.

Remember Sheringham? That c**t was like a snail but he was did alright.

Anonymous said...

i can´t see it happening too....i think miguel veloso is a more realistic transfer. get him for playing alongside cesc and then the boss has to buy a replacement for adebayor. i think the best buy would be santa cruz (because david villa wants to stick with valencia).

Anonymous said...

no to barry! not for that money! arsene schould buy raul albiol because he can play the flamini role and as a back up for kolo and gallas. maybe another winger could be bought...angel di maria said that he wants to play another season with benfica before going to spain or england. maybe we can get him now. he would be perfect. and as a adebayor replacement i think this guy called diego milito could do the job, but santa cruz would be great too. hopefully not martins or huntelaar.

Anonymous said...

I really don't rate Barry as high as some others seem to.

Anonymous said...

Barry has said he wants to play in the Champios League, not specifically Liverpool.

Now, could Barry get in the Liverpool side ahead of Gerrard? No. How about ahead of Mascherano, one of the best holding midfielders in the world? No.

For Barry, a move to the Emirates makes more sense.

Anonymous said...

dont get your hopes up......

Anonymous said...

Good post Wrighty7
I just don't see AW buying in a new DM. He is likely to promote from within and first give a chance to Diaby as Song, whom I rate, looks like going to Bejing for the Olympic tournament for the first few weeks of August.