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Premier League midfielder confirms transfer 'interest' from Arsenal
JOEY BARTON has admitted Arsenal showed "low-level interest" in signing him when he was at Newcastle.
Joey Barton has confirmed he was in contact with Arsenal over a move in 2011
Joey Barton returned to the top flight this month with Burnley, penning a six-month contract with his former club.
However, his Premier League career could have been very different had he agreed a move to Arsenal in 2011.
Asked about the move in a Twitter Q&A for FourFourTwo magazine, Barton said: "Intermediaries spoke on our behalf.
Joey Barton was a target for the Gunners when he was at Newcastle
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"There was definitely some low-level interest.
"Before I got sent off against Arsenal, when the thing with Gervinho happened, I was due to hold some form of discussions with them.
"But then it never came to be.
"Would I have liked to have played for Arsenal? Of course. Who wouldn’t?"
Barton instead left Newcastle for Queen Park Rangers that summer, signing a four-year deal.
He went on to make 99 appearances for the club before being loaned to french side Marseille for the 2012/13 season.
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