Arsenal transfers: David Villa is not for sale, insist Barcelona

The Spain striker has been heavily linked with a move away from the Camp Nou in recent months, with Arsenal reportedly keen to lure the forward to Emirates Stadium on loan as Arsène Wenger looks to bolster his attacking options.

However, Vilanova has moved to end talk of a possible exit for the 31-year-old by insisting he still has an important role to play this season.

“David will not leave, we are very happy with him,” Vilanova said.

“It’s been a long recovery process, but we know his importance to the team, and we’re sure that he will help us.”

Vilanova’s comments come after Barcelona chief Sandro Rosell also ruled out the possibility of Villa leaving the club last week.

He said on Tuesday: “I completely rule out of the transfer of Villa during the winter market. He is ours and we need him. There is a lot of the season left.”

Villa, who joined Barça from Valencia for £31m in 2010, has scored 40 goals in 97 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan outfit.