Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'to rival Tottenham Hotspur for Ross Barkley signature'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 22 July 2017

Arsenal reportedly enter the race to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who has also been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal have reportedly identified Everton midfielder Ross Barkley as a possible transfer target this summer.

Barkley's career at Goodison Park remains in doubt as he enters the final year of his contract, with the club having so far failed to agree terms on an extension.

Manager Ronald Koeman last season issued an ultimatum to the 23-year-old warning him that he would be sold this summer if he did not commit his future to the Toffees, leading to interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Spurs are still understood to hold the strongest interest in Barkley, but the Evening Standard reports that North London rivals Arsenal are also now monitoring the situation ahead of a possible bid.

Everton are thought to be holding out for a bid of at least £50m for the England international, although the interested clubs are waiting for that figure to drop towards the latter stages of the transfer window.

Barkley, who did not travel with the Everton squad for their pre-season trip to Tanzania, made 36 Premier League appearances for the club last season, scoring five goals.