Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Must Snatch David Villa from Barcelona

Arsenal are not giving up their pursuit of striker David Villa, nor should they if they hope to solidify their offensive attack by the end of the transfer window.

According to Charlie Wyett of The Sun, Arsenal is still attempting to pry the 31-year-old away from Barcelona. However, the Catalan club is not keen on parting with the Spaniard.

"The Gunners will not pay £15m for a player of Villa’s age but they are desperate to land a striker and would pay £10m."

Arsene Wenger reportedly stopped his hunt to land Villa earlier in the month after the Catalans insisted that he's going nowhere. However, the player does not seem as happy as the team and is instead forcing his way out of town.

After missing most of last season with a broken tibia, the star quickly regained his form upon returning to action. Villa has netted five goals in La Liga this season. In 13 totals games, he's found the net 12 times.

He signed with Barcelona in 2010, before scoring five goals to help Spain win the World Cup. Now he's eager to leave.

So far this season, the Gunners have registered 41 goals, the fourth-highest tally in the Premier League. While Theo Walcott leads a capable attack, they still trail the top tier of elite squads.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea currently sit in a league of their own as the best clubs. Although Arsenal currently owns sixth place, it also holds the fourth-best scoring differential at plus-15.

They've tied seven times and lost four games by a one-goal margin, so acquiring a prolific scorer could propel them to new heights. 

Currently on the outside looking in, Arsenal could solidify its status as one of the top squads with Villa fueling its offense.

Convincing Barcelona to relinquish the star will be a tough sell for Wenger, who will probably have to shell out more money than he would like. If it's necessary to gain a top scorer, though, he might have to relent and pay more than £10 million.

Villa's age is likely scaring the Gunners from breaking the bank, but he's proving that he's healthy and the same dynamic player who captured the world's attention in 2010.

This type of opportunity does not come along every day. Arsenal should pounce on it while the door is still open.