Wenger: Barca´s Villa not for sale

Arsene Wenger says Barcelona do not want to sell David Villa following months of speculation linking the striker with Arsenal.

Spain international Villa had been heavily tipped for a move to the English Premier League, with Arsenal believed to be at the head of the queue.

But with the January transfer window drawing to a close, Wenger has confirmed a move for the Spain international will not transpire.

“Barca do not want to sell David Villa. They’ve made that very clear,” Wenger told reporters.

When asked if there was any room for negotiation, he replied: “No.”

“What’s important is to buy players who can strengthen the squad. Otherwise, you do nothing. We have enough numbers, quality strikers.”

The Arsenal manager also ruled out a short-term deal to sign David Beckham, though the former England international is training with the club.

“He called me,” Wenger said.

“It’s purely for fitness, there’s no speculation about him signing.”

With Liverpool visiting the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, the Frenchman said: “It’s a very important game for us. We cannot afford to drop points.

Liverpool star Luis Suarez has plundered 21 goals in 31 games so far this season, prompting Wenger to observe: “He’s a great player. Nobody would deny that. They always have good teams – it’s a big game.”

“‘It’s always a big disappointment to go out of the FA Cup – you never know what response you get,” he warned after Brendan Rodgers’s men lost 3-2 to Oldham on Sunday.

The Arsenal manager added that “the players that were rested at Brighton are all available”, with Jack Wilshere among those returning to the squad.