With the January transfer window now open for business we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer gossip. Today, could Arsenal still sign David Villa this month?

Some intriguing developments on the future of David Villa today Gooners with the news that the striker has told Barcelona he wants to leave the club before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports this afternoon.

The Daily Mail are one of several media outlets who’re reporting that Villa has grown tired of his bit-part role at the Nou Camp and told boss Tito Vilanoa he wants a move this month.

The report claims Arsene Wenger made enquiries to try and bring the 31-year-old to the Emirates earlier in the month but was told by president Sandro Rosell as well as Vilanova that the hitman wasn’t available. Vilanova is quoted as saying early last week:

‘David is not going to leave. We are very happy with him. We’ve always said that he’s coming off a long injury, and he’s getting more minutes all the time. But he’s suffering more physical problems again. ‘We know how important he is, like last year when we missed him a lot in the second half of the season. I’m convinced he will help us a lot over the remainder of the season.’ Vilanova is quoted as saying by the Mail

However, we’ve received a boost in our attempts to try and land the prolific striker with the Mail claiming that Villa has made his feelings clear and told his boss he wants out before the window slams shut in 10 days time.

I think our need for striking reinforcements couldn’t be clearer. Our options from the bench have been embarrassing in recent weeks and this was highlighted once again on Sunday when Wenger had no option but to bring on Andrey Arshavin during a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

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Having a player of Villa’s quality at our disposal would be a huge boost as we try to close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham, but will Barca agree to let him leave or will they force him to stay until the summer?

While he’s no longer considered a first team regular at the Nou Camp, they still rely on him during cup matches or as an option from the bench, so it may take a bit of persuading to convince the Spaniards to part company with him, despite the players reported demands to leave.

But if they do allow him to go, even on loan, I hope Arsene is straight on the phone calling in a few favours.

Would you like to see David Villa come to Arsenal? Get involved in the comments section below.