Arsenal launch last-ditch David Villa bid to test Barcelona resolve

Sevilla 2-3 Barcelona : David Villa Despite Arsene Wenger's public stance that a move for the Spanish forward is "dead" the club have been encouraged by the striker's willingness to move to England Arsenal have tabled a bid for Barcelona striker David Villa, Goal.com understands. The offer, believed to be between £10-11million, has been submitted as the Gunners test the resolve of the Catalan giants to hang on to Spain's all-time record goalscorer. Wenger has admitted his interest in Villa but said this week that Barcelona have resisted selling the 31-year-old and his public stance is that the move is “dead”. However, privately Arsenal have been given encouragement that a deal could still be possible on the last day of the window and are preparing to make one final push for the forward.