July 9

A strong 23-year old English centre back and one of football’s most controversial figures are today’s players linked with a possible move to Arsenal.

According to the Sky Sports, “a number of clubs” are monitoring Manchester City’s defender Micah Richards. The Englishman is apparently wanted by Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool and with the Gunners reportedly after a new centre back after last season’s fiasco in the defensive department, one with Premier League experience would be a nice addition to the squad.

In other news, Italian website Calcio News 24 (in Italian), reports that the Gunners are ready to make a £9m offer for Newcastle United’s Joey Barton and Josè Enrique. The former is also wanted by Hamburg, in Germany and would add, according to many, the needed steel in the Arsenal midfield.

Last month, former Newcastle striker Micky Quinn told talkSPORT that the Gunners have enquired about the availability of the midfielder but how would he be greeted by Arsenal fans?

And before moving on to today’s poll, a look at yesterday’s results in which we collected more than 1,500 votes. With three players in the poll, many were those who voted positively for Real Madrid’s Marcelo Vieira and there were mixed feelings for Barcelona’s Eric Abidal and Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade.

As always, please let us know your preference on today’s linked players and don’t be shy to join the discussion in our newly-launched Arsenal forum.

Player Profile

Micah Richards

Date of birth: 24/06/1988

Place of birth: Birmingham

Age: 23

Height: 1,80

Nationality: England

Position: Centre Back

Foot: Right

Market Value: £9m

Joey Barton

Date of birth: 02/09/1982

Place of birth: Huyton

Age: 28

Height: 1,80

Nationality: England

Position: Central Midfield

Foot: Right

Market Value: £4.4m

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