Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on Ross Barkley.
England’s Ross Barkley in action
The Mail report that Arsenal have registered their interest in Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.
The report claims the Gunners are keen on signing the playmaker, who Everton value at £35 million despite him having just one more year left to run on his contract.
North London rivals Tottenham are still seen as favourites for his signature, and Arsenal should step aside and leave them to it.
Barkley is an inconsistent player who has shown no sign of fixing his unpredictable performances this season.
A couple of bright performances in wins over Leicester and Burnley last month have been overshadowed by poor displays against West Ham, Chelsea and Swansea since.
Everton’s Ross Barkley’s future is uncertain
The 23-year-old is typical of the signing Arsenal would have made three seasons ago. Young, British, potential, but unproven.
The Gunners have several of these types of players, but the generation they hoped would lead them to trophies have faltered.
The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs have all flattered to deceive, while Jack Wilshere has been another case entirely, hampered by injury.
England’s Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley during England training
Arsene Wenger has shown an inability to actually help any of these players improve and take their game to the next level.
If Arsenal sign Barkley, it’s likely they will just get more of the same.
The Gunners need a player who can transform them now, and not frustrate an already patient fan base.
Arsenal are better off leaving him to rivals Tottenham, and the Everton ace may be better off signing for the Lilywhites too.
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