Villa staying put

Andoni Zubizaretta, Barcelona's director of football, has stated that striker David Villla will not be leaving the club in January, ruling out a possible loan deal to Arsenal.

Arsenalwere rumoured to be in talks with the Catalan club for a loan deal that would see Villa join the Gunners with a look to possible permanent deal but the Daily Mirror report Barcelona are unwilling to sell.

Villa, 31, has been out of favour at Barcelona following his return from a lengthy injury that saw him miss Spain's European Championship triumph during the summer.

The Spanish international was the leading scorer at 2010 World Cup and an intergral part of Spain's Euro 2008 winning squad.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will look to add a striker to his squad in January and has long been an admirer of Villa.

A previous target for Arsenal was also Schalke star Klaa Jan Huntelaar but the striker signed a new contract with the German club last week.

Zubazaretti said: "In January we will keep Villa...we do not accept offers for star players in January."