Arsenal’s Villa thriller

Posted Sunday, February 03, 2013 by The Sun

Arsenal’s Villa thriller
DAVID VILLA wants a £14million summer move to Arsenal.

Barcelona insiders say the striker, 31, has set his heart on a switch to the Gunners after deciding to quit the Nou Camp.

Boss Arsene Wenger failed in a bid to land Villa last month.

But the Spanish star will have just a year left on his contract and Arsenal are likely to get him for less than the £16m demanded in January.

After a long-term injury last season, Villa has failed to command a first-team place at Barca this term.

He has made just 15 competitive starts — yet still scored 10 goals.

Now the Spain striker wants to be with a team where he will once again be the main man. Villa earns around £110,000 a week at the Nou Camp, so his wages will not cripple the Londoners financially.

But Wenger will have to change his policy of giving only one-year contracts to players over 30.

Villa is likely to be offered a three or four-year deal.

The signing will also help appease grumbling Gunners fans.

They have seen stars such as Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Alex Song leave while the club has gone seven seasons with no silverware.