Wenger could look to Barry

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The exit of the 31-year-old World Cup winner - a member of the 2003/2004 'Invincibles' side - to Greek side Panathinaikos came a day after unsettled Alexander Hleb finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona.

With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger is facing up to the task of rebuilding the heartbeat of a team which set the early pace in the Barclays Premier League last season before eventually fading out of the title race.

Although Frenchman Abou Diaby would relish the chance of cementing his place alongside Euro 2008 winner Cesc Fabregas after often being utilised out wide, Wenger will, as ever, have a back-up plan in mind.

Barry would seem to fit into the Arsenal jigsaw, a player capable of holding the midfield together while allowing Fabregas the freedom to roam.

However, despite having made tentative enquiries about the availability of the 27-year-old - now back in training following a ban and fine after criticising Villa manager Martin O'Neill - the Gunners are understood to be unwilling to match the £18million price tag which the midlands club have insisted on during their protracted dealings with Liverpool.

Gilberto joined the Gunners shortly after Brazil's World Cup triumph and became an ever-dependable member of the squad, stepping in as captain on many occasions.

Despite coming towards the end of his career, the veteran is not finished yet.

He said: "I'm hungry to win more titles. I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best.

"I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League and I'm excited about being a Panathinaikos player."