Arsenal have opened formal discussions with Barcelona over striker, David Villa, with the intent on bringing the Spanish international to the Emirates this week.

villa espanaIn an exclusive report by Goal.com, Arsenal contract negotiator, Dicky Law has been in Barcelona negotiating with Barcelona over the sale of striker David Villa.

Arsenal had their previous attempt to sign the striker rebuffed by Barcelona, but manager Arsene Wenger is determined to add Spain’s leading scorer to the fold and hopes Law can seal a deal before the January transfer window closes on Thursday.

Goal cites sources that claim Villa is “very keen” to join the Gunners following his lack of playing time with the club this season, after making a complete recovery from a devastating leg break over a year ago.

Arsenal are prepared to offer a £13.8 million transfer fee and a £110,000 per week salary to the 31-year-old.

Arsenal are hoping that the previous negotiations of Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona will give them an edge in the negotiations and hope to sign the player for what could be considered below market value and well below his release clause.

While Barcelona have been adament that Villa is a vital piece of the puzzle for the club for the remainder of the season, and despite the striker starting Sunday’s match against Osasuna and playing all 90 minutes, it has appeared that Villa has been relegated to a substitute role.

Other related news