In the wake of a rejected Tottenham bid, Arsenal is eyeing a potential move for Leicester City’s star, Harvey Barnes.

Despite Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, Barnes’ performance has garnered interest from various Premier League clubs, and Arsenal are the latest to join the chase.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Harvey Barnes of Leicester looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 28: Harvey Barnes of Leicester looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
  • Arsenal are keeping tabs on Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes after Tottenham’s bid was rejected.
  • Barnes’s performance in the last season, with 13 goals and 3 assists, has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs including Arsenal.
  • Arsenal’s interest comes as part of Mikel Arteta’s plan to add firepower to the team’s wings.

Harvey Barnes: A new target for Arsenal?

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City celebrates with teammate Harvey Barnes of Leicester City after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City celebrates with teammate Harvey Barnes of Leicester City after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

A new name has popped up in Arsenal’s transfer radar, that of Harvey Barnes.

The Leicester City winger, despite his club’s relegation, has drawn considerable attention from various Premier League clubs, with Arsenal being the latest to show interest.

Performance sparks Premier League interest

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Barnes, who amassed 13 goals and 3 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, has proven his worth in the Premier League.

Such performances are likely to secure him a spot back in the top flight, with clubs such as Spurs and West Ham expressing keen interest.

Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail, are also set to make a move for the 25-year-old player.

This comes after Tottenham’s failed bid of £50 million for Barnes and his Leicester teammate, James Maddison.

Barnes’ potential move to Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal makes a save from Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on March 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal makes a save from Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on March 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Newly appointed Spurs’ manager, Ange Postecoglou, appears to have a heightened interest in Maddison. This could pave the way for Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, to secure Barnes in the summer transfer window.

However, the specifics of the deal could take time, with Leicester yet to determine a fixed release clause.

The decision will likely hinge on the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, tasked with leading Leicester back to the Premier League.

Adding firepower to Arsenal’s wings

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta seems eager to bolster the team’s wings, an area where Arsenal lacked strength last season. The addition of Barnes could provide that much-needed firepower.

Previous reports suggest that Barnes’ transfer will cost at least £40 million. Additionally, the Gunners are keeping an eye on Chelsea’s star, Kai Havertz, who could play various roles up front.

As the summer transfer window unfolds, it is clear that Arsenal is determined to enhance their squad, and Barnes could be a crucial piece of their strategic rebuild.