If there is a man that has doubt hanging over his future as we head into the summer transfer window, it is Everton’s midfielder Ross Barkley, who looks to be edging towards to an impending exit.
Barlkey was not included in the match-day side for the defeat to Swansea City last month following his falling out with the Toffees manager Ronald Koeman towards the end of the season.
It is fair to assume that the England midfielder will not be at Goodison park next season, and some of England’s top club are eyeing him for a potential move.
Here we take a look at three possible destinations for Barkley should he move out of Goodison Park this summer:
Tottenham
Tottenham are reportedly leading the number of clubs in the race to sign the 23-year-old.
Reports of a club-record deal of over £30 million have been flying around in recent weeks, reports that have been fuelled by Ronald Koeman’s contract ultimatum that the 23-year-old has ignored.
Barkley have always shown the potential to become one of England’s best and what he needs to develop could be a change and a patient manager like Mauricio Pochettino
Being in the same club as fellow England international Dele Alli could also bring out the competition in him and help him find his way back to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
He could be disoriented at first at White Hart Lane because he would have to get used to a new role, with Alli not about to change from his number ten position, and this would prove how adaptable he is.
Yet with Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Heung-Min Son all indispensable after their out-of-this-world seasons, Barkley’s career could come to a halt if he does not get enough time on the pitch.
Arsenal
Arsenal are the favorite to land Barkley behind Tottenham, with the Daily Mail reporting that Arsene Wenger also wants him at the Emirates.
With the uncertainty over Alexis Sanchez contract issue, and with Wenger’s new contract, Wenger now has the responsibility of improving the squad.
With fellow England teammates Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck in the team at the Emirates, the 23-year-old would adapt easily to life in the club.
West Ham
According to Daily Star, West Ham have recently indicated interest in Barkley and they are now considering bringing the England midfielder to the London Stadium.
It is believed that West Ham are financially buoyant to meet Barkley’s financial demand of £140,000 per week – a fee that doubles his current wage at Goodison Park.
Although Manuel Lanzini has been performed well in the midfield but his effort is not good enough to move the Hammers up the table and this is a role where Barkley could excel.