Arsenal set for striker disappointment

There are confused faces around the Football Transfer Tavern as it has been claimed by the Daily Mail that Arsenal are set to miss out on one of their top targets because he is set to sign a new deal at Barcelona.

The club have long been linked with David Villa and it seemed that a move was basically inevitable. Now however a U-turn has been performed at the Camp Nou and Villa is set to be offered an extended stay with the Catalan club.

With 14 months left to run on his current deal, the former Valencia striker does have time to consider his future, yet things are not as black and white in terms of a departure as they were a couple of months ago. The club have seen Villa return to form and fitness and net goals along the way and for his part, if he is playing regularly, the forward is willing to stay in Spain.

Seeing it as his best chance to get into the Spanish national team, a place in the Barca starting eleven is what he wants. This of course will come as a blow to Wenger who has been tracking the player for some time now and had bids rejected during the January transfer window. Now it is back to the drawing board for the Gunners in terms of luring a new top class forward.

Is this the end of the Villa to Arsenal rumours? Let us know your thoughts below.

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