David Villa: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Barcelona forward David Villa is among many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Spain international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 31

Contract Situation: Villa's current deal expires in June 2014. 

Career Stops: Sporting Gijon (2001-03), Real Zaragoza (2003-05), Valencia (2005-10), Barcelona (2010-present). 

Current Campaign Stats

La Liga: 26 games, 9 goals.

Champions League: 7 games, 1 goal.

Copa del Rey: 5 games, 5 goals.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

David Villa's transformation from an out-and-out striker at Valencia to almost a winger in Camp Nou is reflected in a sharp drop in his goalscoring record. From 28 and 21 La Liga strikes in his last two Mestalla seasons, the 31-year-old has so far netted just nine times in the current campaign. 

These numbers, however, do not reflect how this mobile, intelligent player has adapted to fit Barcelona's system, working fluidly with false nine Lionel Messi and creative geniuses Xavi and Iniesta. Out wide and in the middle, he remains a force to be reckoned with and one of the best strikers in the game. 

On the wrong side of 30, though, question marks over his durability and longevity remain, not least because of a couple of debilitating injuries that have curtailed his playing time over the last two years. 

 

Where to Next?

Only in Barcelona could a season that included a Champions League semi-final and a rampant race to the Liga title constitute a failure, but it feels that way around Catalunya and a clearout could well be planned in the close season. 

According to AS, Villa could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium, claiming via Caught Offside that a €15 million pre-contract deal is in place for the Spaniard to move this summer. Goal, meanwhile, see El Guaje closer to the Gunners' bitter north London rivals, stating that Villa is likely to move as part of a double striker swoop also involving Brazil star Leandro Damiao.