In Focus: Barkley has chance to shine whether he lands at Spurs or Arsenal

As reported by The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur face serious competition from Arsenal if they’re to secure the signing of Everton’s Ross Barkley this summer.

What’s the story?

With elite English players always in demand in the Premier League, the race is on to sign one of the country’s most exciting midfielders this transfer window and it’s Everton who could ultimately benefit from the tussle.

The Evening Standard say Spurs target Barkley is now also on Arsenal’s radar with the Goodison Park club putting a valuation of £50m on the star midfielder.

That’s a fair wedge of cash but if a bidding war emerges, the Toffees will be in strong selling position. The paper do explain though that with just a year left on his contract, that valuation could fall and potential suitors of the England international expect to pay just half that amount.

Ready for a top four side?

It’s always difficult to know whether a player can step up from a mid-table side to a top four challenging outfit but Barkley appears to have the potential to do just.

Scoring five goals and providing nine assists last season, the midfielder has been an effective presence for Everton over the last 12 months but it’s perhaps the promise of his potential that is most appealing for buying clubs.

Still just 23 years of age and with close to 200 professional appearances to his name, Barkley has had a fantastic education but arguably has underachieved as a player so far in his career. A move to a big club could be the making of him, especially if an experience manager like Arsene Wenger can get the best out of him.

Wherever he ends up next season or beyond we’d back him to be a Premier League success but can the likes of Spurs and Arsenal justify his reported £50m price tag with just 12 months left on his contract?