Arsene Wenger confirmed Arsenal's interest in Aston
Villa midfielder Gareth Barry after a move for Xabi Alonso
collapsed. Alonso had agreed personal terms on a move, but Wenger
pulled out after Liverpool said Arsenal's £10million offer was not
enough.
Barry, also a long-term Liverpool target, has already played for
Villa in the UEFA Cup and is ineligible for the Champions League
until February. But Wenger will decide whether or not to move for
the midfielder after the draw for the group stage next week.
The Arsenal manager said: 'There is interest in Gareth Barry,
but I cannot say much more. Once someone plays in Europe it
devalues a player for the season, but it doesn't necessarily mean
you don't buy him.
'Barry is a good player, but the problem with players who are 27
or 28 is that you pay big money and then you get nothing
back.'
Wenger made the surprise signing of Manchester United defender
Mikael Silvestre this week, but the Arsenal chief claims he has
always wanted to sign him. Silvestre, 31, has signed a two-year
contract and is expected to be in the squad for tomorrow's Barclays
Premier League trip to Fulham.
Wenger added: 'Sometimes you need a player in the squad with the
qualities you think will help. 'Silvestre can play left-back and
centre-back. It's an area where we had no experience. He has a
great attitude and we're a bit light on experience in the
dressing-room. 'He is 31, but top-class central defenders can play
until they are 34, no problem.'
Liverpool last night lodged an improved £8m bid with Espanyol
for Spain and ex-Manchester City midfielder Albert Riera, 26.