Reports suggest that Arsenal have made a €13m bid for 31-year old striker David Villa, who is unhappy at Barcelona and looking for a move away.

Arsenal have been interested for a while in the former Valencia man, but have only recently had it confirmed that Barcelona are willing to negotiate.

It has been suggested that any move would be a loan followed by an option to buy.

Leverage

While the move seems a far-fetched one, Arsenal have a few advantages in their pursuit of Villa. For a start, there are the eight players who have moved from North London to Catalonia in recent times, from Marc Overmars to Alex Song. The two clubs have a vague business relationship, albeit a one-sided one.

What's more, Barcelona have been naughty. They owe Arsenal money from the Fabregas and Song transfers, as well as performance bonuses. Arsenal may be willing to waive this provided the fee for Villa is reasonable. Villa is understood to be keen to move to Arsenal, having stated his appreciation for them in the past.

Still got it

Villa is 31, and will be 32 in December. He's not far back from a lengthy absence with a broken leg and is out of favour. Does he still have 'it', that spark that has seen him become Spain's record goalscorer?

To a point, yes.

The burning pace is not so terrifying, and his stamina has suffered. But the movement, the awareness and the finishing remain.

David Villa has scored five goals in La Liga this season, despite appearing mainly off the bench. He is the type of striker Arsenal favour, with the finishing ability of Theo Walcott, but the striking ability and awareness of Olivier Giroud.

Villa has at least two years left at the top, and his presence would help the other strikers innumerably.

It's an unusual deal for Arsenal, but one that could prove very useful in the future and the present if it comes off.

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