Arsenal should have been in for midfielder Gareth Barry this summer, according to ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson. The Gunners are often linked with a holding midfielder, and who better than an experienced Premier League and England international that would cost as little as £1m – says Merson.

Barry moved from Everton to West Brom for £1m earlier in the summer, a deal that has been praised by many as very good business by West Brom – who have made a fine start to this season’s Premier League campaign. The Baggies have made a number of good signings this summer, and many would favour them to challenge for a top 7 finish. It might be worth checking their odds on finishing in a European spot this season, using this Bet365 bonus code for the best deal.

Sky Sport’s pundit Paul Merson is baffled as to why his former club didn’t make a move for the veteran – especially given how inflated the current transfer market is these days. A player like Barry could provide to Arsenal exactly what Carrick does to United, experience and bags of ability at what he does.

Merson is adamant Arsene Wenger could have used a player like Barry to sit and defend the back 4, even if he was only used as a bit-part player.

Merson told Sky Bet: “Wow, what a great signing [for West Brom].”

“For me, I look at him and think, ‘Why didn’t Arsenal take him for a year?'”

“He gets the ball, he moves it forward quickly, he don’t mess about – no airs and graces.”

“He get the ball and goes, ‘Right here you are.’ [He can] give it to Ozil, give it to Sanchez, give it to the players, when he just sits there, and they’ll go and play.”

“He’s never going to go anywhere he’s always going to stay where he is.”

“[He] keeps shape, I just thinks it’s an unbelievable buy for West Brom.”
[Quotes via Daily Star]

Of course, Barry would be a very underwhelming signing for Arsenal fans, but what Merson says is very true – the veteran provides no thrills, but does the job well.

Should Wenger have considered a move for Gareth Barry?