Arsenal cult hero, Perry Groves, is keen for the Gunners to sign Everton’s Ross Barkley this summer.

Arsenal have been linked with Barkley for a number of weeks seeing as the midfielder only has one year left on his current deal at Everton and is reportedly looking for a change.

Speaking exclusively to bwin recently, Perry Groves heaped praise onto the 23-year-old. The former forward reckons that Barkley would not only be a perfect fit for Arsenal but that signing him for £25m is a ‘no-brainer’.

“I’m a massive Ross Barkley fan and think he could be perfect for us. I’d absolutely love him at Arsenal,” said Groves.

“He’s got something that other players don’t have. If you can get Barkley for £25m, that’s a no-brainer.

“He could play behind Lacazette or alongside Xhaka – I’d love to have him.

“At this stage of his career, the money should not be the driving force. He wants to test himself and needs to do so at a club like Arsenal to earn the right to demand such money.

“I think he’ll end up at Spurs or Chelsea, which would be a real shame as he’s entering the peak stage of his career.

“Too many people look at the negative aspects to Ross’ game rather than what he can do.”

Barkley made 39 appearances for the Toffees last season, scoring six and assisting nine.

The England international, who’s been capped 22 times, has been at Everton his entire career and therefore, reportedly, wants to move on and experience football at a different club.

barkley v arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Ross Barkley of Everton and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal clash during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Manager Ronald Koeman has already confirmed that the midfielder will be leaving this summer, with Tottenham, Chelsea and most recently Newcastle all being linked.

Although Groves is obviously a huge fan of Barkley, whether he’s actually any better than Arsenal’s current midfielder is up for debate.

The 23-year-old is a very similar player to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who coincidentally has a year left on his current deal as well. They’re the same age, can inject bursts of pace into the game, and have quick feet.

The Ox is arguably ahead of the Everton man, which was demonstrated when Gareth Southgate picked him over Barkley for England’s match against Lithuania in March. However, if he was to leave, perhaps bringing Barkley on board would be a sensible option.