Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed there is interest in highly-rated midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta.
Leverkusen want to keep Arsenal target
Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed there is interest in highly-rated midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta amid reports that Arsenal are leading the chase.
The 23-year-old was being tracked by Portsmouth earlier in the season, but he shunned possible interest from the South Coast club.
Now the Swiss star has reportedly emerged as one of Arsene Wenger's primary targets for the summer.
Bayer, who would want in excess of £12million for Barnetta, insisted they want to try and extend his contract - which has 18 months to run.
"There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him," Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke told
Express - who claim Arsenal have made contact with Bayer.
"We are always in touch with Tranquillo and are attempting to extend his deal."
Whilst Barnetta had little hesitation in shunning Pompey's interest, it is unlikely that he would be able to resist the lure of the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Bayer have lost midfield star Arturo Vidal for four weeks.
The Chile international damaged his eye during the weekend draw with Bochum and now he is out for a month.
