Arsenal follow Barnetta, Bayer confirms

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed there is interest in highly-rated midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta amid reports that Arsenal are leading the chase. The 23-year-old was being tracked by Portsmouth earlier in the season, but he shunned possible interest from the South Coast club.

“There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him,” Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke told Express – who claim Arsenal have made contact with Bayer.

“We are always in touch with Tranquillo and are attempting to extend his deal.”