Arsenal emerge as new favourites to land Everton ace in huge summer move

It’s fair to say there isn’t much for Arsenal fans to be getting excited about right now. Their side are five points off the top four, their star player is constantly being linked with a move away and defeat against West Brom this weekend was their sixth in nine matches in all competitions.

But at last – it seems – there’s some good news for Gooners.

Having previously not been in the running for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, the Gunners have this morning emerged as 5/2 favourites to sign the youngster in what would be one of the biggest transfers of the summer.

While plenty of eyes will be on Romelu Lukaku when the transfer window opens, it’s expected that a handful of top clubs are monitoring developments surrounding Barkley.

Chelsea are 9/2 shots for his signature, while previous frontrunners Tottenham Hotspur are now 6/1 to add the playmaker to their ranks.

That leaves Manchester United some way off at 8/1, a price they share with their neighbours across the city.

And for those of you wondering, it’s 12/1 for Barkley to play a part in what would undoubtedly be one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history by joining bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

What this says about the future of Mesut Ozil is that it remains very much uncertain – and a lot could depend on what Arsene Wenger decides to do at the end of the season.

If the Frenchman leaves, it’s likely his record signing will follow, paving the way for Barkley to take over the German’s position at the head of Arsenal’s midfield.

The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine time of things right now with the Toffees, who have just recorded their seventh win in 10 Premier League games since the turn of the year.

And Barkley already has four goals and seven assists to his name in the top-flight this season, meaning he’s well on course to record his best ever campaign in professional football.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see the biggest clubs in the division linked with a move for the England international.

But as things stand, it looks as though Arsenal are leading the way in the race for his signature.

What do fans think? Would Barkley’s arrival at the Emirates change things for the better?

Have your say in the comments section below!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing