Atletico Madrid threaten Arsenal’s summer move for David Villa

Posted Wednesday, February 06, 2013 by Metro.co.uk

Atletico Madrid threaten Arsenal’s summer move for David Villa
Wanted man: Barcelona forward David Villa is attracting plenty of attention

Arsenal’s drawn out pursuit of David Villa looks like facing another hurdle in the summer with news that Atletico Madrid are also in the hunt for the Barcelona striker.

Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico are likely to make a move for Villa should they lose their highly-rated forward Radamel Falcao.

Falcao is arguably the most sought-after striker in Europe. He has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea or mega-rich Paris St Germain and Atletico manager Diego Simeone sees Villa as the ideal replacement.

Premier League rivals Manchester City were also reported to be interested in Villa, but it is a move to Atletico that now seems likely to be the main threat to the Gunners chances of landing their man.

Atletico Madrid threaten Arsenal’s summer move for David Villa
Lethal: Radamel Falcao is expected to depart Atletico in the summer

Villa is apparently keen to remain in La Liga and a move to the Europa League champions would present him with the perfect opportunity.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will not give up on Villa easily, however, and is hoping the Spanish contingent at the Emirates could still persuade him to make the switch to north London.

The Gunners play-maker Santi Cazorla was in contact with his Spain team-mate urging him to join him at Arsenal during the January window. Barcelona refused to let him leave before the end of the season but Villa is determined to depart in the summer after limited first-team chances at the Nou Camp this campaign.