Conflicting reports continued to emerge as Arsenal's move for David Villa from Barcelona took another couple of twists and turns.
Villa has been the subject of Arsenal interest throughout the January transfer window and the latest rounds of reports suggest the club are close to signing the forward as well as not at all interested in bringing the prolific forward the confines of the Emirates.
Arsenal have reportedly made a late move and opened formal talks with Barcelona for Villa, according to goal.com.
The Gunners' transfer fixer Dick Law, who was seen in Germany earlier this month leading to widespread suggestions of a German signing, has flown to Spain to try and work out a deal with Barcelona.
Barca are reportedly now ready to listen to offers after Villa made it clear he does not intend to stay, with his chances in the starting lineup diminished considerably this season, even though he played the full 90 minutes in the La Liga game against Osasuna at the weekend.
Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay around £14 million ($22 million) and will gladly match Villa's wages of around £110,000 a week ($170,000).
However, the problem arises here, as, according to Sky Sports News, Arsenal are not in talks with Barcelona over the transfer of Villa.
The club have reportedly told Sky Sports that they are not interested in signing the Spanish international at this time and are looking at other options, while Barcelona have no intention of selling their striker.
So, which report to believe would be the conundrum facing Arsenal fans, in particular. While there is little doubt that there was actual interest in Villa, whether Arsene Wenger has decided to look elsewhere or is still hopeful of making a late swoop is the million dollar question.
Arsenal need a goalscoring forward, that is without question. While Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott have shown they can fill the striker's role well, there is still room for a player who will convert the majority of the chances presented, especially in tight games against big teams.
Villa would be a dream signing for Arsenal fans, and until the January transfer window closes Thursday, there can still be hope of a miraculous announcement.
