Wenger: I admire Barton

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is an admirer of Joey Barton.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is an admirer of Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton's talents.

The Gunners boss does not want to get involved in any great debate about the City man with Stuart Pearce incredibly frustrated with the player's decision to slap in a transfer request on Monday.

The Eastlands outfit have been in talks over a new contract but Barton is unhappy with the terms on offer and demanded a move.

City immediately rejected the request but there has been speculation that a shock move could be tied up in the hours that remain before the transfer deadline passes.

Arsenal are one of the clubs being forwarded as an option in some quarters as Wenger looks for a long-term replacement for Patrick Vieira.

"I like Joey Barton," Wenger told Sky Sports News.

"But, you know, I don't want to interfere with that publicly.

"He has been negotiating with his own club so I do not want to interfere with that."