For the best part of a decade, Arsenal have struggled in central midfield and have often been criticised by fans and pundits for not addressing the issue in past transfer windows. But that’s not for the want of trying.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with West Brom next Monday, Arsene Wenger addressed a transfer that is over eight years old.
Twitter: Wenger on Gareth Barry: “We were interested in him when he moved from Villa to City but City’s financial power was superior at the time.” (@MirrorDarren)
In the summer of 2009, Arsenal were interested in signing Gareth Barry, then of Aston Villa, but the Gunners were unable to compete with the financial strength of Manchester City who completed the signing of the England international for a reported £12.5m.
Barry spent four years at Manchester City, making 175 appearances for the club and winning the Premier League and FA Cup in the process before leaving for Everton, initially on loan, in September 2013, a move that was made permanent at the end of the season.
Now at West Brom after completing a £1m move in August, the 36-year-old central midfielder is the first player in Premier League history to start 600 games and recently tied Ryan Giggs’ all-time appearance record in the division when he made his 632nd outing last weekend.
His longevity in the game is a testament to his fitness and willingness to stay at the top of his game this late in his career, and there’s no doubt that in his prime some eight years ago that he could’ve made a big impact at the Emirates.
