David Villa, who has had enough of bench duty at the Nou Camp wants to quit Barcelona next month when the transfer window opens and is linked with a possible move to England giants Arsenal or Chelsea. However, Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected reports linking David Villa with a move away from the Nou Camp in January.
Barcelona insists David Villa is not for sale
Zubizarreta mentioned that Villa remains a key part of Barca’s plans and insisted they have no plans to offload the striker in January.
“In January we will keep Villa and it is important to remember that Barcelona is a club that habitually does not accept offers for star players in January,” Zubizarreta told.
“David is a player that brings goals and intensity to the team.”
Spanish hitman has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Barca side since his return from leg injury in August and has featured regularly on bench under the new Barca coach, Tito Vilanova. Villa, nicknamed El Gauge and has only started 5 of 17 league games and 1 of 6 in the Champions League this season. As a result Villa’s future at the Nou Camp has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks as he continues to struggle for first team action.
Villa’s agent, Victor Onate, fuelled the speculation further as he said: “There is always rumor and speculation about David and his future because he is a great striker.”
“His future is in the hands of Barcelona. We are aware of the speculation but he has a contract and it is always important to respect agreements.”
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old in recent weeks as they look to add more fire power to their respective attacks.
Arsene Wenger would prefer a short-term loan for the Spanish No. 7 but is willing to offer a permanent move if the price is right. However, the fee quoted by Barca which is around €20 million is likely to be deemed too much by Arsenal because of Villa’s age.
Chelsea, though, are in need of forward reinforcements for the rest of the season as Daniel Sturridge is widely expected to join Liverpool when the transfer window opens, leaving Fernando Torres as the club’s only established front man.
Chelsea, who have a strict policy of only offering 12-month deals to players over 30, would appear to be out of the running for a permanent transfer. But a loan deal would appear to meet the wishes of both clubs and the player.
While Italian champions Juventus are also keen on landing the 2005-2006 Spanish Player of the Year, sources close to Villa have reported he wants to come to the Premier League with Chelsea top of his list.
Despite the fact that Villa is a peripheral figure for Barcelona, the Spanish giants are not desperate to sell Villa next month.
“Now he has recovered from a serious injury I believe that he is offering a good level on the field.” Zubizarreta pointed out.
“It is normal that big players desire to play and this is perfect for the competition in the squad.”
Tags: Andoni Zubizarreta, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Nou Camp, Transfer Window
