Barthez to spark transfer frenzy?
The highly-respected L'Equipe newspaper claims the trio of clubs will strike a huge transfer agreement in the summer which will also take Flavio Roma to Highbury.
What is looking increasingly certain is that Barthez will leave United, after being axed for the wins over Tottenham and Charlton Athletic. The French keeper may still have a lot of support among the club's supporters, but he has rarely made any trademark top-class saves this term, and was in the firing line after Real Madrid smashed six goals past him in the Champions League.
A return to Monaco is the favourite option, according to L'Equipe, and that deal could see Arsenal sign current Principality custodian Roma.
It is suggested that United are also admirers of the Italian keeper, but they would allow The Gunners to snap him up if they are allowed a clear run at top target Ronaldinho, Paris Saint Germain's exciting forward.
However, much of this speculation seems a little fanciful.
Arsenal have a number of keepers on their hit-list, with Arsene Wenger's first choice believed to be either Turkish number one Rustu Recber or Parma's Sebastien Frey.
Roma has hardly covered himself in glory on some occasions this term, and Sir Alex Ferguson will have a number of other keepers in mind should he decide to proceed with the sale of Barthez.
Furthermore, even though Arsenal may admire Ronaldinho's talents, and Wenger watched him in action recently, there is simply no way that they could compete financially with Premiership foes United for the expensive Brazilian.
The only concrete information would appear to regard French World Cup winner Barthez.
While a move back to Monaco might suit the shaven-headed shot-stopper, Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona are also reportedly keen on signing the 31-year-old.
