Gareth Barry spoke to Gunners before moving to Everton from Man City.
Everton loanee Gareth Barry has revealed he nearly joined Arsenal in the summer.
The steady-eddie midfielder join the Toffees on a season-long deal from Manchester City on transfer deadline day and has been a revelation at Goodison Park, helping Roberto Martinez’s side push towards the top four.
But, ahead of Everton’s visit to league leaders Arsenal, the 32-year-old has admitted he could have been playing for the Gunners this season, with Arsene Wenger keen on his services before Mathieu Flamini moved back to North London.
“There was contact with Arsenal over the summer,” explained Barry.
“They were interested, but I think they went down the road with Flamini who was training with them, and I joined Everton instead.”
But Barry has no regrets about the decision and says he would welcome a permanent move to Merseyside next summer.
“I’m really enjoying it and I’m as excited now as when I signed because I’ve got a feel for the club,” he added.
“I’m enjoying working under the manager and the coaching staff here, the training is fantastic and the style of play the manager wants us to play is really enjoyable.
“I’m really excited for the rest of the season.”
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