Should Arsenal perform this big-money transfer switch-up?

For Arsenal fans, the January transfer window represented one big love-in between their club and David Villa. At the time, it seemed to be a match made in heaven.

The Gunners were struggling to replace Robin Van Persie (no surprise there – and they still are!) and needed to purchase some additional fire-power. Olivier Giroud, may be an above-average finisher, but he offers very little else. Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Gervinho don’t seem capable of playing as an out-and-out striker.

David Villa on the other hand, is one of football’s best known forwards. He’s the Spanish national side’s top scorer, a Barcelona star and has bags of experience to draw upon.

Despite these credentials, Villa hasn’t had as much of a look in as he’d like this season. He’s still making his way back from a big injury last season, and has found the route back to first team football blocked by more sprightly players. At 31-years-old, you’d forgive him for wondering if he should be trying to earn his first team football at somewhere less competitive – somewhere like Arsenal.

Alas, a move never happened. Arsenal bought a left-back, but didn’t manage to sign a forward. It’s thought that Barca turned down all inquiries for the player.

Now, things seem to be coming to a head once again. The Mirror claims that Villa ‘wants assurances’ that he will be given a proper opportunity to re-assert himself next season. If these cannot be given, he’ll ask Barca to let him go, so he can secure the football he’ll need to earn a place in Spain’s squad for the 2014 World Cup.

And whilst I think this would be a good move for his career, I don’t think he’d be the right for Arsenal. This summer, there’ll be plenty more younger, more mobile players available. It would be foolish to target somebody who would be expensive, despite already being in his 30s.

The Mirror also note that Arsenal’s number one transfer target is now Stevan Jovetic, the red-hot Serie A Talent. Jovetic is just 23-years-old and looks set to have a big future. His technical ability and his goal-scoring form have caught the eye this season and he’d fit in nicely at a club like Arsenal.

He’d also cost considerably more than Villa. But isn’t it time for Arsenal to put their money where their mouth is?

What’s your take? Who would you rather see at the Emirates: Stevan Jovetic or David Villa?

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