Tottenham Transfer Rumour: Spurs to Steal Barcelona Star

Tottenham are close to signing Barcelona striker David Villa. Spanish news source Mundo Deportivo claims the 31-year-old has met Spurs' coach Andre Villas-Boas and is likely to be the subject of a £10m summer transfer.

Villa has had a troubled time at the Camp Nou since his move from Valencia in 2010. The Spanish international has been forced to play second fiddle to Argentine forward Lionel Messi and his cause was not helped by breaking his leg in December, 2011, in a Club World Cup match.

As a result, Villa is believed to be open to the idea of an exit, particularly with the 2014 FIFA World Cup (likely to be his last) around the corner. Despite limited game time this season, Villa is in good form, with nine goals and four assists from 14 La Liga starts.

Arsenal were strongly linked to the player in January but Barcelona refused a mid-season transfer, leading to speculation the Gunners would return for Villa in the summer. However, it appears Arsene Wenger has now shifted his focus elsewhere, with reports of a bid for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic and Real Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain.

Of course, all of this could depend on Wenger ensuring Champions League football for next season. However, with a two point lead to Spurs in fifth place and only one game left in the season, it should be reasonable to assume the Emirates club will beat their north London rivals to fourth place.

Meanwhile, Spurs will probably enter the market for a striker but, like Arsenal, the quality of their recruits could depend on their ability to qualify for the Champions League next season. AVB's men host Sunderland on Sunday and must both win and hope Arsenal lose to Newcastle, in order to qualify for the Champions League.

Walcott on Wigan Win

Finally, Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has revealed he and his team mates were criticised by Wenger, during the midweek Premier League tie against the Latics. Arsenal went into the break at DW Stadium level 1-1 but scored thrice in the second half to relegate Roberto Martinez's side.

"We got a rocket. We'll keep that in the dressing room. But it's great that the manager has that passion and it got a bit more out of the players. We all knew how big it is. It's massive to be in the Champions League. I felt we did show some good play in the first half but we didn't manage to take our chances. Thankfully we did in the second," the England international said.