The 18-year-old Italian joined the Gunners in summer 2005 for a fee of about �350,000 and played seven times for the reserves during last season.

The former Atalanta pleyer is expected to go into Barnsley's squad for Saturday's match against Southampton.

Tykes boss Andy Ritchie has already signed Colin Healy during the transfer window, and is also keen to sign Brighton striker Colin Kazim-Richards.