Samuel Eto'o has hinted he would like to join Arsenal after his future was plunged into doubt at Barcelona.

The Cameroon striker launched an astonishing attack on Barca boss Frank Rijkaard and teammate Ronaldinho before admitting he would love to play under Arsene Wenger in the Premiership.

He said: "I love Wenger, he is one of the best coaches in the world.

"I could have played for Arsenal some years ago. I would have loved to have had Wenger as my coach."

Eto'o could be set to leave the Catalan club following a series of disputes with Rijkaard, who accused the forward of refusing to come on as a substitute against Osasuna last weekend.

According to reports in Spain, Eto'o did not attend training on Monday and he spoke to the media yesterday to deny Rijkaard's claims.

"Whoever came out in a press conference and said I refused to play is a bad person," he fumed. "I've always thought about the group (first) and I've always trained with the group. If anybody has balls, they should tell it to me face-to-face."

As well as criticising Rijkaard, he also spoke about comments reportedly made by Ronaldinho, saying: "If a player comes out and says I should think about the group, then he should think about the group."

The Brazilian, who is known to be something of a weak trainer himself, apparently claimed that Eto'o should think more about the team.

Eto'o replied: "If a team-mate is upset with me, then they can say so to my face. I wasn't the one who broke the laws of the dressing room. If I have something to say, I always say it inside the dressing room."

The rift could pave the way for Wenger to launch a raid for the striker in the summer, especially if unsettled club captain Thierry Henry decides to quit the club.