Barry to snub Anfield in favour of Arsenal move

Liverpool’s long pursuit of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry seems to have taken a twist after reports emerged suggesting the player would favour a move to Arsenal.

According to the Daily Star, Barry is holding out for a move to the Emirates, and the England ace believes he should be granted his leave by Villa in light of his service to the club.

Barry was expected to be on top of Liverpool’s wanted list, but Rafa Benitez is not keen to spend the vast majority of his budget on the midfielder, particularly as Xabi Alonso’s form at Anfield has been scintillating this year.

The newspaper suggests Wenger has earmarked Barry as the experienced, dominant midfielder required to take his young side to the next level, a £12 million would be enough to sign the player who only has one year left on his current deal.