Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Steps Up David Villa Pursuit
Metro. Despite Oliver Giroud and Theo Walcott finding the back of the net as the Gunners progressed to the last-16 of the FA Cup at the expense of Brighton on Saturday, it is understood the Frenchman still wants one more forward. Marouane Chamakh has been loaned out to West Ham United whilst Gervinho is contesting the African Cup of Nations, which leaves Lukas Podolski the only other registered forward at the Emirates at present. Asked if he needs to sign a new striker before Thursdays transfer window deadline, Wenger said:
"Quality-wise, no. But number-wise we are maybe a bit short. "It will not be easy, though, because you do not find strikers who are good enough to play for us on the street."Wenger is understood to be keen on Barcelona's David Villa - whom he has been keeping tabs on for much of January - but is deterred by the La Liga leader's £10 million valuation of the 31-year old. Barcelona's president Sandro Rosell has in the past warned Arsenal off making a bid for Villa. Meanwhile, the Gunners are also in the market for a midfielder, with West Hams Mohamed Diame said to be high on Wenger's wish list, but the Frebchman admitted no deal is close.
"I cannot promise we will sign anybody today, tomorrow, Tuesday or on Wednesday because at the moment we are not close to anything, added Wenger. It is not about optimism. How realistic I am is most important."