Silva exit leaves Wenger with Barry headache

ARSENE WENGER must decide whether to step up his interest in Aston Villa's unsettled England international Gareth Barry following the departure of long-serving Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva.

The exit of the 31-year-old 2002 World Cup winner to Greek side Panathinaikos came a day after unsettled Alexander Hleb finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona.

With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger is facing up to the task of rebuilding the heart of his team. Barry would seem to fit into the Arsenal jigsaw, a player capable of holding the midfield together while allowing Cesc Fabregas the freedom to roam.

However, despite having made tentative inquiries about the availability of the 27-year-old – now back in training following a ban and fine after criticising Villa manager Martin O'Neill – the Gunners are understood to be unwilling to match the £18million price tag which the midlands club have insisted on during their protracted dealings with Liverpool.

Despite coming towards the end of his career, Gilberto vows that he is not finished yet.

"I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League and I'm excited about being a Panathinaikos player," he said.