Arsenal reportedly surprise favourites to sign international attacking midfielder

The immediate future of England international Ross Barkley looks to be away from the Goodison Park as he continues being linked with a summer exit.

Of all current suitors hoping to land the Everton midfielder, Arsenal have now emerged favorites according to the Daily Express.

Bookmakers have named the Emirates as Barkley’s most possible next stop, but the north London outfit hope the £50million asking price for the player’s signature is reduced.

Tottenham want the 23-year-old too, but won’t be willing to pay the £150,000 weekly wages he is demanding; a figure Arsenal wouldn’t baulk at.

Barkley’s current deal runs out at the end of the upcoming season, and he isn’t keen on putting pen to paper for an extension.

Toffees manager Ronald Koeman often expressed his disappointments at the midfielder’s lack of improvement last term, and it doesn’t seem he would hesitate to cash in on his sale having boosted the midfield ranks with some quality additions.

While Barkley undeniably can become a much better player, his growth has become stunted and he hasn’t lived up to the hype. Selling him for profit won’t hurt the club’s ambitions.