Arsenal to make offer for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Barnetta

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning to land Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta in a £10 million deal.

The Daily Star says Wenger is a long-term admirer of the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and was tipped to make a move for him in the last transfer window.

Everton manager David Moyes has also kept tabs on Barnetta, who was shortlisted for the best Young Player Award at the 2006 World Cup.

Hopes of snaring the playmaker were dealt a blow last month after he signed a fresh contract which runs out in the summer of 2012.

But Barnetta, 24, is still setting his sights on a dream summer move to the Emirates despite his new deal at the Bundesliga club.

A source said: “It’s true Tranquillo signed a new contract but that is negotiable if a big club comes in for him. Premier League clubs are interested in him and that’s an exciting prospect. Tranquillo would love to play for a top club in England.”