Wenger poised to hijack Barry deal as Gilberto exit leaves Arsenal bereft of holding midfielders

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Barry: Liverpool deal on hold

With Barry's planned move to Liverpool left in doubt by the Anfield club's unwillingness to meet Villa's £18million valuation, the opportunity to hijack the deal may prove overwhelming.

Gilberto is the second holding midfield player to leave Emirates Stadium following Mathieu Flamini's move to AC Milan, leaving Wenger desperately short of cover in the centre of the pitch.

Barry has been forced to report for pre-season training with Villa for the first time today since he criticised manager Martin O'Neill in a newspaper article and was fined two weeks' wages.

O'Neill was also angry with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for openly courting his captain and relations between the two have now soured beyond repair.

Wenger could now capitalise on the situation and, armed with extra money from the sale of Gilberto, is expected to make an official approach having previously asked to be kept informed of developments in Barry's status.

Heading for the exit: With Gilberto now gone, Wenger has lost another holding midfielder

Gilberto will undergo a medical in Athens and then put pen to paper on a contract that will see him earn around £6m over the next three years.

Despite being made vice-captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Flamini.