Wenger reveals Barry interest

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Wenger is keen to land an experienced central midfielder following the pre-season departures of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva.

Liverpool have been unable to seal a deal for Barry, who is desperate to leave Villa Park, and although Wenger is concerned by the England star's sell-on value, he could be set to step in with an offer.

“There is always interest,” Wenger said. “I cannot tell you much more. He's one of the players we follow.

“I find Barry a good player. The problems with players who are 27, 28 is that you pay big money but you get nothing back, no resale.”

Wenger has already signed Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United this week and he revealed it took a last-ditch intervention to beat Manchester City to the French defender's signature.

“He was in advanced talks with Manchester City already,” Wenger told the Daily Express.

“I don't know whether he finished the medical or not, he can explain to you, but I heard he was completely free.”