World-class striker David Villa was ‘90% sure’ he’d sign for Arsenal in 2013

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World Cup-winning Spain striker David Villa had told BBC Sport that he nearly signed for Premier League outfit Arsenal in January 2013 with Arsene Wenger keen to sign him.

The move fell through as Barcelona didn’t want to sell their talisman and six-months after the link to the Emirates Stadium, he swapped the Nou Camp for Atletico Madrid.

Villa enjoyed an illustrious career winning the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and numerous La Liga titles.

Arsenal fans will now be left wondering what might have been had they signed the clinical Spaniard after learning of the failed move.

He told BBC Sport: “I felt 90% at that moment that I would go to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

“At that moment we didn’t arrive at the deal, Atletico Madrid arrived and in three of four days fixed everything.

“I don’t know what would have happened if I’d signed for Arsenal.

“I always thought about going to the Premier League, but at the moment that all these offers arrived to me or my agent, I made another decision. Why? I don’t know.”

Arsenal didn’t manage to land a striker as an alternative to Villa during January 2013.

These comments will certainly have the Gunners faithful wondering what might have been had they signed Villa.

The striker headed for Madrid and never looked back, quickly becoming a hero in the eyes of their supporters.

Winner

He only scored 15 goals in 47 games but those did help Atletico claim their first league title for many years.

His career goal tally was impressive, however. In 625 appearances during his career, he smashed 325 goals.

Wenger got a lot of decisions right at Arsenal but this looks like one that got away.

Although Barcelona were unwilling to sell he should have perhaps returned to land the star once Atletico’s interest emerged.