Arsenal are lining up a bid for Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.
The Sunday Mirror says Arsene Wenger has monitored Barton's progress through the City ranks to become one of Stuart Pearce's most influential players.
Middlesbrough failed with a £3m bid for Barton just before transfer deadline day after the midfielder rejected City's £28,000-a-week wage offer.
Barton wants a £30,000 basic wage and is not happy that City's offer is inclusive of win bonuses.
Arsenal will make a move before the World Cup, although their opening offer is unlikely to be anything more than half the £6m City will demand.
The Sunday Mirror says Arsene Wenger has monitored Barton's progress through the City ranks to become one of Stuart Pearce's most influential players.
Middlesbrough failed with a £3m bid for Barton just before transfer deadline day after the midfielder rejected City's £28,000-a-week wage offer.
Barton wants a £30,000 basic wage and is not happy that City's offer is inclusive of win bonuses.
Arsenal will make a move before the World Cup, although their opening offer is unlikely to be anything more than half the £6m City will demand.
