Arsenal's pursuit of David Villa has gone quiet in recent weeks, but this morning newspapers both Spanish and English reported that Arsenal have been boosted by his newfound conviction to leave Barcelona before the transfer window closes.

According Sport.es, a Barcelona-favouring sports paper in Spain, Villa held a meeting with Tito Vilanova in which he stated frankly that he wanted to be elsewhere.

His usage in the team has not increased, despite appearing with two goals in a recent game with Celta Vigo.

Villa has had enough of not being used enough by the manager, and is aware of the interest from numerous Premier League clubs, something that interests him greatly.

Arsenal in particular are his favourite for a move, and he has been speaking to an unnamed member of the Arsenal squad for a while now (likely fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla) about life in London and the possibility of a move.

Before you start printing Villa 7 Arsenal shirts, it would take a bid of around 17 million or a bit less to convince Barca to release Villa, and Arsene Wenger is unlikely to break his transfer record for a 31 year-old.

Then again, Arsenal do have leverage regarding payments for Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song, so they make be able to negotiate a discount.

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