Would this deal signal Arsenal intentions for next season?

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders whether Arsenal signing Gareth Barry would send out a message to their Premier League rivals.

Gareth Barry is set to swap Villa Park for the Emirates this summer, according to reports.

The Daily Star says that the Villa captain wants to fill a hole in Arsene Wenger's lightweight midfield and fulfil his dream of playing Champions League football.

The England midfielder was continually linked with a move to Liverpool last summer but a lack of trust and transfer funds on Merseyside meant that the move never came to fruition and Villa boss Martin O'Neill has already stated that he expects Barry to be subject to numerous bids this season.

Wenger, meanwhile, is crying out for another midfielder that can spread play like Cesc Fabregas and, despite being linked with Liverpool's Xavi Alonso in the past, Barry would undoubtedly fit the bill.

Arsenal endured another disappointing season in the Premier League and, although they reached the Champions League semi finals, were a long way off their rivals.

They capitalised on Villa's late slump in form to finish in the top four again but some sections of the support remain unhappy with the players and a few have started to turn on Wenger.

Tottenham and Man City have also been linked with Barry in recent weeks but, with Champions League football the key, it seems Arsenal still have the upper hand, but would this signing be enough to signal the club's intent next season?

Would he fit into Wenger's brand of football? Would this be money well spent, or should Wenger be targeting more experienced, high profile midfielders in order to really send out a message to his rivals?

Could he be the difference between another disappointing fourth and a genuine title tilt, or are a lot more recruits needed for the club to challenge Man United and Liverpool?