Barcelona insist they have no plans to sell Arsenal target David Villa in January
Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected reports linking David Villa with a move to England.
By Franciso Acedo
Last Updated: 23/12/12 1:18pm
Villa has been linked with a possible move to England with Arsenal thought to be keen on signing the Spanish international.
Villa, who missed six months of last season with a broken leg, has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Barca side since his return from injury fuelling talk of a move away when the transfer window reopens next month.
Zubizarreta insists they have no plans to offload Villa and that he remains a key part of their plans.
"In January we will keep Villa and it is important to remember that Barcelona is a club that habitually does not accept offers for star players in Janaury," Zubizarreta told Canal Plus.
"David is a player that brings goals and intensity to the team.
"Now he has recovered from a serious injury I believe that he is offering a good level on the field.
"It is normal that big players desire to play and this is perfect for the competition in the squad."