Barcelona’s director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta has made it clear that the Catalan club won’t sell Villa in January.

El Guaje

As the January transfer window drew near, David Villa’s name was linked with several English clubs. Initially, Swansea were reported to have strong interest in the Spanish international and were lining up a sensational bid to sign the striker.

Liverpool have been linked with most of the available striker across Europe and Villa was no exception, but the most creditable rumour that has been reported recently is that of Arsenal’s interest in David Villa.

Arsene Wenger has been a long-time admirer of the Spaniard even back during his Valencia days, before he signed for Barcelona. Under Pep Guardiola it looked unimaginable that David Villa would consider leaving the club, but under new manager Tito Vilanova things have changed.

Ever since Villa has returned from his eight months injury lay-off, he has found it hard to grab a permanent place in the first team. The 31-year-old is said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time as Vilanova has preferred to play Alexis Sanchez and Pedro.

Reports from Spain suggest that David Villa might consider leaving the club if the situation doesn’t improve. Add to that the Spaniard has already had an on-field confrontation with Lionel Messi this season. Although the duo later denied having any rift between themselves, it is evident that there is a place for only one striker in Barcelona; ask Ibrahimovic.

Barcelona fans wants to see more of Villa; there are no two ways about it. The striker was applauded off the bench in the their last match against Real Valladolid. But it is unclear if the Barcelona management shares their views.

Barcelona’s director of football, Andoni Zubizarreta, has clarified that the Catalan giants won’t sell their star player in January after reports of Arsenal’s interest began to surface.

Zubizarreta was quoted in press:

“In January we will keep Villa.

“It is important to remember that Barcelona is a club that habitually does not accept offers for star players in January.”

But the above statement barely discloses the club’s plan for David Villa in future. What about a move in summer

Villa is already into his 30’s and he would want to gain more playing time before his career fades away. He is unlikely to warm the bench at Camp Nou, and a move to the Premier League might provide him with fresh challenge as he has already won everything in Spain.

Arsenal on the other hand are in desperate need of a star signing. Manager Arsene Wenger is under huge pressure from the fans to spend big in January and a striker is at the top of his priority list.

The London club is yet to replace Robin van Persie’s goal. Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski are yet to hit the ground running and even Theirry Henry is expected to join the club for another loan spell.

David Villa’s name would certainly get the Gooners excited ahead of the transfer window. Villa, who has won the World Cup and European Championships with Spain, is sure to light up the Emirates if he decides to join the club. But for now, his future hangs in balance.

If Barcelona fails to sort it out, it will be a big loss for La Liga, but a big gain for the Premier League.