Arsene Wenger Reveals He Almost Signed Former Manchester City Midfielder

By The Editor
on 22nd September 2017

Gareth Barry can be added to an extensive list…

An outstanding achievement ?

Arsene Wenger hails @premierleague record-breaker Gareth Barry and reflects on trying to sign him. #AFC pic.twitter.com/5mqddq4MEg

— Hayters Teamwork (@HaytersTeamwork) September 21, 2017

Arsene Wenger revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium that he was once close to signing West Bromwich Albion midfielder Gareth Barry.

The former Everton man brings his Baggies side to north London, a fixture which will mark his 633rd Premier League appearance, setting him apart as the most experienced player this division has ever witnessed.

Barry has remained a wonderful professional throughout his career, though his big move undoubtedly came when he joined Manchester City in 2009.

It was that move which Wenger claims he attempted to intercept, but conceded that Man City had more disposable income at the time and thus blew us out of the water.

“We were interested in him, yes,” Wenger told the press.

“When he moved from Villa to City, but at the time City were the big investors, their finance was superior to ours.

“He’s intelligent, determined, strong in the challenge.

“Good technically, I rated him highly.”

Barry joined Tony Pulis’s side on a free transfer during the summer as a replacement for Darren Fletcher who’d moved onto pastures knew at Stoke City.

The 36-year-old will provide an interesting test for us as our midfield look to break down West Brom on Monday who’ve always deployed a defensive strategy at the Emirates.

While Wenger informed us of this failed bid in 2009, one club legend feels we should’ve revived our interest during the last window.