Arsenal have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley this summer.
Barkley's future at Goodison Park remains uncertain, with the England international now in the final year of his contract at the club and no signs of an extension on the horizon.
Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old, but The Express reports that their North London rivals Arsenal now lead the race for his signature.
Everton's asking price for Barkley remains at £50m, while his wage demands were also reported to have put Spurs off making a move for the midfielder.
Arsenal are also thought to be waiting until later in the summer to lodge a formal bid, when Everton may be more willing to sell for a lower price.
The Toffees have already signed Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen this summer, while they are also understood to have made more than one offer for Swansea City's Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Barney Corkhill
