The Burnley striker struggled badly against Arsenal and reports are now suggesting that a potential move to Aston Villa is well and truly off.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is unlikely to make a move for Burnley’s Ashley Barnes in the final days of the transfer window, the Birmingham Mail reports, though his display against Arsenal suggests that may be a good decision.
Thus far, Villa have been left frustrated by their inability to add a new striker to their ranks in January, a problem that has now been exacerbated by suggestions that Bruce is willing to sanction Ross McCormack’s departure after publically scalding him for failing to attend training.
Consequently, The Independent reported that Villa had identified Clarets targetman Barnes as a cheap alternative to the likes of Jordan Rhodes but, as the Birmingham Mail add, any approach appears unlikely.
And, if Villa fans had spent their Sunday taking in an oddly enthralling battle between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates, they will perhaps understand why.
Even at 6ft plus, Barnes struggled to fulfil his traditional targetman duties, receiving possession before giving it immediately back to a swarming Gunners midfield via a misplaced touch or futile attempt at a dribble.
Furthermore, his link-play with Andre Gray verged on the non-existent. The idea was clear; Barnes flicks it on, Gray bursts in behind. However, the former Brighton bruiser failed to provide any kind of service for his lightning-fuelled strike partner.
And, when his one chance arrived late on, Barnes snatched at the loose ball, sending it trickling into the arms of a grateful Petr Cech.
A tough afternoon at the Emirates has little bearing on your ability to mix it at Burton Albion but Villa have spent enough money on underperforming strikers recently. You can’t blame them for being slightly more measured in the market.
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