After a month of inactivity in the transfer window, apparently Arsenal are closing in on one of their prime targets in David Villa. According to Goal, Arsenal have begun formal talks with Barcelona regarding the transfer of the former Barcelona man, who is looking to move before the end of the transfer window. A move worth 13.8 million GBP is being discussed between the two clubs and negotiations are expected to continue until deadline day. The report also says Arsenal’s chief negotiator is in Catalunya in order to speed up the move.
Arsenal have looked short of bodies in attack and the departure of Gervinho for the African Cup of Nations means the Gunners are one injury short of a crisis situation. Arsene Wenger has maintained that any signing in the winter market would be made only if he found the right quality player. David Villa ticks all the boxes the Frenchman might have in mind while making that statement and thus the interest in the Spaniard is hardly surprising. Barcelona find Villa surplus to requirements despite his rare start at the weekend. A lack of first team chances at this stage of his career has convinced Villa to look for new pastures and a chance to play in England might seem an attractive option.
The only hindering block might be the price quoted in the report. Arsene Wenger has long been known as an astute yet miserly spender when it comes to transfers and with Villa already past 30, a 13 million transfer fee seems a far cry for a club that has been conservative in the market to say the least. Despite this, there is no denying the fact that David Villa would be a marquee signing for the North Londoners; one they desperately need after an uncertain season so far. The Gunners faithful might be overjoyed if this transfer goes through and will make Arsenal’s attack one fearsome looking unit on paper at least. The Spanish international is the country’s leading goalscorer and will provide the Arsenal forward line more potency. Despite his injury, he happens to be Barcelona’s second highest goalscorer this season, and still has it in him to deliver at the biggest of stages.
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