Swiss midfielder reportedly on the Professor’s wishlist

Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta currently plies his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, but is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League. According to press reports, the talented 23-year-old could be on his way to Arsenal, for a fee of around £12m. Leverkusen sporting manager Michael Reschke has said:

“There are enquiries for Tranquillo all the time and we have been talking about this with him.

“We are always in touch with Tranquillo and are attempting to extend his deal.”

Tranquillo - who has his own official club shop - has 18 months left on his Leverkusen contract, but has caught the attention of several European clubs.

UPDATE: Barnetta’s extremely German-sounding agent Wolfgang Voege has told Setanta.com that there has been “no contact with Arsenal whatsoever”. He also revealed that Portsmouth tried to sign him in the January window.

Spoiler bonus: Not familiar with Barnetta’s work? Check out his highlight reel after the jump…