[Pat Murphy]

Villa Tells Arsenal To Make Their Move

Spanish international David Villa has made it clear he's ready and willing to leave Valencia for England this summer. Chelsea are said to be interested, but the striker really wants to join Arsenal or, failing that, Liverpool.

The 26-year-old is thought to be high on Chelsea manager Avram Grant's wishlist, with a bid of around €30m being planned and the UK press reporting that an approach by the Blues has already been made.

Villa has hit 63 goals for Valencia over the past three seasons and has been one of the few los Che players to perform consistently this year.

Arsenal Are Terrific

But while he is keen to try his luck in the Premier League, the striker has admitted it's Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal he'd really like to join.

“I watch the Premier League a lot and the team I’m most attracted to is definitely Arsenal," said Villa. "Their brilliant one and two-touch football and the whole style of rapid counter-attack which dominates the top level of the Premier League now is the one which suits my game best of all.

"I think I’m made to succeed in England but of course it’s one thing saying it and quite another getting there and then doing it. The Valencia president always told me he wouldn’t sell me until summer 2008," Villa added. "If an offer comes in I’m hungry to test myself in England.”

Liverpool Ahead Of Chelsea

The striker said that if it were to prove impossible to join Arsenal this summer then his next preference would be Liverpool, where he could link up with international team mate Fernando Torres. “It’s great playing alongside Fernando. We understand each other totally and we get on brilliantly off the park.”

Pedro Valverde, Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Villa Tells Arsenal To Make Their Move


Suprised he has come out so publicly but I wasn't considering Arsenal to get him when maybe I should have. I still think Chelsea are the favourites.