Arsenal set to move for Barry

11:06am Thursday 17th July 2008

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ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger is expected to make a £16 million offer for Gareth Barry before the weekend.

The Arsenal boss will test Villa's resolve with a cash bid, but he is also believed to be willing to let Justin Hoyte go in the opposite direction.

With Helb sold and Gilberto on his way to Greece, Wenger is keen to add to his squad and is a known admirer of the versatile England midfielder who can also operate in defence and on the left.

Villa would also be keen to do business with Arsenal with boss Martin O'Neill and the Villa board reportedly still furious with Liverpool boss Rafa Benetiz for unsettling their skipper.

The Liverpool manager has come under fire for repeatedly talking openly about his transfer targets this summer.

The only stumbling block could be Barry himself. Although he is believed to favour a move south, he was a boyhood Spurs fan.