Gunners eye Villians star

Arsenal could be lining up a shock swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan.

The Scottish international is enjoying a superb season so far for the Villians, and is believed to have caught the eye of the North Londoners following a string of impressive performances.

Creative with an eye for goal, Bannan fits in perfectly with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's style of play at the Emirates, with reports linking the 21 year-old to a £12m move to London in January.

Bannan received high praise from former Villa boss Gerard Houllier last campaign, when he likened the midfielder to Barcelona stars Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

This term, the former Blackpool loanee has broke into Villa's first team and scored his first goal for the West Midlands outfit in the 1-1 against Q.P.R last month.

Should Wenger be looking for young talent again rather than proven European performers? And would Bannan fit in at the Emirates?