Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Barcelona striker David Villa. The Daily Mail says Villa is ready to ask Barcelona to grant him a January move to Arsenal.

Sources close to the deal claim Villa is very keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window and wants to speak with the north London club.

And it is believed Villa will make a personal request to Barca's hierarchy to accelerate a move to the Premier League.

Barcelona are resisting attempts from various European clubs to loan Villa, insisting they will only consider a permanent switch.

Barca have told their Arsenal counterparts that only a £16million offer will be enough to prise Villa away but they are expecting a formal bid.