Barcelona prevented David Villa from joining Arsenal

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David Villa has revealed that he had been very tempted by the chance to join Arsenal 12 months ago, but Barcelona refused to let him go at the time.

Photo: Getty Images

The 32-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates during the last winter transfer window, with Arsène Wenger even commenting publicly that an approach had been turned down.

Speaking to Canal+ show Espacio Reservado, Villa explained: "I was not playing so I let the club know that the best would be to leave.

"There was an important offer from an English club, you all know that that was Arsenal. The offer was very good for the club and great for me.

"But they did not think it was right for me to leave at that moment. I was told that I was needed.

"Barça always showed me a lot of affection, and promised me they would help me leave in the summer. And they did that, so I can only be happy with that."

The Spain international would later go on to join Atlético Madrid, where he has continued to score goals and is currently joint-fourth top scorer in La Liga.

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