Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, rivalling Tottenham and Chelsea for his signature.
The 23-year-old has scored five goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances in all competitions so far this season, as he has proven to be a more than useful part of Ronald Koeman’s squad.
However, according to The Mirror, with the Dutch tactician confirming last week that the England international would be sold if he doesn’t sign a new contract with the Toffees, it appears as though he’s attracting further attention.
The report adds that Arsenal are ready to join Tottenham and Chelsea in the pursuit of his signature, with Barkley having just a year remaining on his current contract as of this summer having stalled on signing a new deal.
Meanwhile, it’s claimed that any interested party is likely to be able to prise him away for £10m-plus at the end of the campaign, with Everton of course keen to avoid losing him for next to nothing in 15 months time.
Despite coming through the ranks at Everton and forming an important part of their team, it looks as though Barkley’s relationship with Koeman had added tension to his situation at Goodison Park and led to a standoff in contract negotiations.
That has alerted three of the top clubs in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether or not the solution can be found so that Barkley can commit his future to Everton or if he is set for a fresh challenge elsewhere in the English top flight next season.