Arsenal & Tottenham Boosted As Barcelona Refuse To Rule Out Villa Sale

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of luring David Villa to north London are still alive after Barcelona's club president refused to rule out the prospect of the striker leaving this summer.

The Spain international was reportedly subject to a bid from the Gunners last January, who have since been joined by their north London rivals in the pursuit of the striker.

The 31-year-old found first team opportunities hard to come by after returning from a broken leg in the second half of last season, with the arrival of Brazilian superstar Neymar casting fresh doubt on his future at the Nou Camp.

Club president Sandro Rosell was quizzed on Villa's future during a press conference on Thursday, and although he played down reports of an imminent departure, he suggested that could change over the course of the summer.

"Until anything otherwise is said, he is still a Barcelona player," Rosell said, according to ESPN.

Spain's all-time leading goal scorer has himself remained quiet on the issue of his future as he continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League. A capable goal scorer of Villa's ilk is high on Tottenham's list of priorities this summer after the club relied heavily on the exploits of Gareth Bale last season as their goal shy strikers failed to deliver.

Arsenal meanwhile have not given up on Villa after their January bid was dismissed. Although Wenger did not specifically name him, the Gunners boss admitted the club wanted to make another signing in addition to Nacho Monreal during the winter transfer window, but saw their efforts blocked.

"We were close to one more signature, yes," Wenger said in February. "It did not happen because of the desires of the clubs to sell or not to sell, it is only linked with that.

"It was not a money problem, it was more a desire from other clubs to keep their players."

With Barcelona having spent £50m acquiring the services of Neymar, the club may have to consider selling some of their fringe players in order to raise funds needed to make further additions to their squad.

But despite speculation surrounding his future, the Spaniard has refused to be drawn on rumours linking him with a move to north London.

"I have a contract and I have always said that I'm very happy in Barcelona," Villa said at the beginning of the month.

"Throughout my career I have always been respectful of my current club. Right now I'm just thinking about a good job in Brazil (at the Confederations Cup) and then we will see.

"We will have to analyse many things during the summer, but as of right now I'm not thinking of anything else other than playing football for Spain."