Arsenal join the chase for Everton ace

 

Arsenal have become the latest Premier League side to express an interest in Everton ace Ross Barkley, according to The Daily Mirror.

 

Barkley, 22, will have 12 months remaining on his current Everton deal in the summer and there is set to be a scramble for his signature if Ronald Koeman’s side fail to secure his long-term future before the end of the season.

 

The England international endured a difficult first half of the campaign but his performances have improved massively since the turn of the year to put his name on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham already.

 

However, both of those London rivals could now face competition from Arsenal despite the fact it remains unclear who will be their manager come the start of next season.

 

Arsenal join the chase for Everton ace

 

With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil both on their way out of Arsenal, the Gunners will need to strengthen their midfield options sufficiently in the summer and are now understand to be monitoring Barkley’s progress.

 

Of players that have started at least five Premier League games since the start of 2017, only Romelu Lukaku (8.12), Harry Kane (7.86) and Alexis Sanchez (7.72) have achieved a higher WhoScored rating than Barkley (7.71).

 

For more stats on Ross Barkley, click here to visit his WhoScored player page