Race on for Swiss ace

Arsenal are weighing up a £5million bid to sign Switzerland midfielder and Newcastle target Goekhan Inler from Italian side Udinese.

The attacking midfielder has a £5million get-out clause written into his contract and has also been linked with a move to Premiership rivals Newcastle United.

The Euro 2008 star has been having talks with Magpies boss Kevin Keegan but he is also aware of the Gunners' interest and will wait to see who offers him the better terms.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to drop his interest in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry because he does not want to match the £18million asking price and is looking at alternatives.

Inler is much cheaper than Barry and is rated as the most gifted player in his homeland.