Aston Villa‘s Gareth Barry is keen to join Premier League rivals Arsenal during the close-season, according to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Star.

The England international was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer and it was thought that he would finally complete a switch to Anfield this summer. However, recent speculation has alleged that the Reds have cooled their interest in the midfielder as they are reluctant to meet his valuation, believed to be around £12 million.

It is claimed that Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in acquiring the services of the 28-year-old. However, neither club qualified for the Europa League this season and it is thought that the main reason Barry is hopeful of a move is to join a club playing Champions League football.

Therefore, a switch to the Gunners could well be on the cards, especially if the rumours that manager Arsene Wenger is ready to pay the £12m to land him are true.