Arsenal have been sensationally reported to be on their way to launching a bid for the Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

So far the Villa captain has been linked with a move to Liverpool so much so that the player himself has issued a statement saying that he no longer wants to play for Martin O'Neills side as he wants to play UEFA Champions League.

It has reported that Liverpool's first bid has been rejected as Aston Villa want at least 18 million pounds while the Reds are prepared to spend 15 million in cash.

The British tabloid The Sun now reports that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, a long standing admirer of the England international, has enquired about Barry's situation. He has been reported to have asked Aston Villa Barry's price tag in order to made a bid soon for the player.