If the cost is not too prohibitive, Gareth Barry suits Arsenal perfectly.

Arsenal have an inexperienced squad.  With Gilberto’s departure, The Gunners have just two players who are 28 or older, William Gallas (30) and Manuel Almunia (31).  Neither is a pillar of composure.  Barry is 27.  Gareth Barry has been a club captain at Aston Villa, and has ten full Premier League seasons under his belt.  He’s made of stern stuff.  He closes the experience gap.

The Gunners need a solid defensive midfielder, with Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini leaving.  Neither Diaby nor Denilson have shown they can fill that role, and it is a bit much to thrust Ramsey in so quickly.  Barry instantly solves that problem.  He also adds versatility because he can play on the left side of defense or midfield.

Barry is durable, which has been an issue the past couple of seasons.  He has made 30 League starts in nine out of the past ten seasons, missing only in 2001-02 when he made 20.  He scores the occasional goal as well, with 17 in the League the past two seasons.

I understand the qualms about the transfer fee, and the Wenger reluctance to buy high.  But, in reality, one experienced and gifted player to the Arsenal squad could make the trophy-winning difference (which should be the fruition of the effort).  Barry has the experience and skill level to play at Arsenal, and he fills a major hole.  If Arsenal can make a Barry deal palatable they should do it.

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