Arsenal will join the race for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley if he is available this summer, reports The Mirror.
What's the word?
Barkley's future at Goodison Park has been a talking point this season given that he will have one year left on his contract come the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have been one club linked to the England international, but now it appears that their North London rivals will also enter the fray.
The Mirror claims that the Gunners will consider a bid for Barkley if he does not sign a new deal, despite the growing uncertainty over Arsene Wenger's future as Arsenal boss.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman recently suggested to the media that the 23-year-old will be sold if he does not agree a new contract at the end of the season.
Is Barkley right for Arsenal?
For some time the Gunners have been lacking a pulse of power in the middle of the park.
Arsenal's Premier League title challenge faltered once again this season, leading to suggestions that they need a bit of inspiration and grit.
Barkley may not be well renowned on the world stage, but his presence in midfield causes problems for opponents.
He is rarely muscled off the ball and he can create goalscoring opportunities as well as find the back of the net himself, particularly from distance.
Barkley, who has scored four goals and produced seven assists for Everton so far this season, also has the ability to maraud forward.
The midfielder could be an ideal addition for Arsenal, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available come the summer.
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