Arsene Wenger recently bemoaned the fact that he is under pressure from the fans to bring in Lionel Messi, or a big-name player, instead of unproven ones.
Well, according to reports, he is listening to the fans by making an official approach for David Villa of Barcelona.
It has been widely reported that Villa is looking to move, definitely at the end of the season, but possibly in the January transfer window.
Tito Vilanova, whenever he has played the 31-year-old, which has not been too often, has played him out of position, leading to Villa giving serious consideration to his future at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have reportedly ruled out a loan move for Villa, which has been what most clubs have been after. The Catalan club are only ready to listen to permanent offers, with a bid of around £15 million ($24 million) sufficient to secure his services.
Villa, before he broke his leg at the Club World Cup in 2011, was one of the most in-form strikers in Europe, but even then there were reports of a tetchy relationship with the club's numero uno man Lionel Messi.
While those reports have always been shot down by both the club and the players, it could be another reason why Villa is looking to leave the club, with Arsenal reportedly his preferred destination.
The striker, even at 31, is undoubtedly a big asset to any team, and Wenger is ready to go to around £14 million ($22.5 million) to secure the striker's services, according to goal.com.
Arsenal remain interested in Adrian Lopez of Atletico Madrid, a player tipped to be the next Villa, but are reluctant to match the player's £14.7 million ($23.6 million) buyout clause.
Adrian is a more versatile version of Villa, equally at home as a central striker, or out wide in a front three. Villa can play anywhere in the attacking three as well, but is at his best through the middle.
There is little doubt which player will bring more excitement to the Gooners out there, with Villa still considered one of the best strikers in the world.
The all-time leading Spanish scorer has never relied on pace to get goals, therefore it is safe to say, if he stays injury free, he is capable of playing at the highest level until around 35.
A £15 million ($24 million) investment for a proven goalscorer is surely worth it then isn't it?
