After news broke that Arsenal were pushing hard to sign David Villa for Barcelona, a couple of sources spoke up to claim the deal wasn't occurring at all.

Spanish journalist and general Barcelona mouthpiece Guillem Balague was incredibly dismissive, stating Barcelona weren't interested in selling, and that the Villa situation was 'case closed until summer'.

This was followed by Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson reporting that Arsenal themselves had denied being in talks with Villa.

Not so fast

However, this is silly season, and even the most reliable sources can look silly themselves. Balague has changed his mind more times than Arsene Wenger over the Villa move or lack thereof, and Barcelona use him as their go-to guy to spread information. Don't forget his part in getting Fabregas to move to Barca.

As for Sky Sports-what would Arsenal tell them? "Yeah, we're in for David, top top player, we've offered Barca about fifteen mill for 'im, should be done tomorrow". That's Harry Redknapp behaviour.

Arsenal may well not be interested in Villa at all. But history dictates than the more they deny links to a player, the more likely they are.

Here are some examples from Arsene himself:

31st August 2011, morning:

"No truth in the links with Arteta".

July 2012:

"Santi Cazorla? I don't know that guy!"

Arsenal also categorically denied the Arshavin deal while it was ongoing.

I wouldn't believe everything you see or read. It may well not be true. That goes both ways though.

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