Barcelona may sell David Villa to Chelsea to fund Fabregas deal

Barcelona’s persuit of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas could prove to be a very beneficial to Gunners’ title rivals Chelsea.

According to several sources – including the Sunday Mirror – Pep Guardiola is considering selling striker David Villa to the Blues to help add money to the Barcelona kitty as they chase several new signings.

Top priority for the Catalan giants is – as it seems to be every summer – capturing Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas which may cost them around £30-40million.

Barca are also chasing Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez but with ‘only’ £40million to spend on new players, the Spanish and European champions know they will have to sell some players to fund other deals.

With Chelsea’s top transfer target Neymar set to join Real Madrid, the Blues will be on the lookout for another potential forward and Villa would be a massive signing for the managerless club – not least because of the effective partnership Villa enjoys with compatriot Fernando Torres.

The Blues are currently the 5/2 second favourites to win the Premier League behind defending champions Manchester United. However, the arrival of a big name striker like Villa would surely see those odds shorten.

Elsewhere, talkSPORT are reporting that Arsenal have made enquiries about signing Joey Barton from Newcastle United.

The controversial midfielder would give Arsenal some much needed grit in the middle of the park but a deal is thought to be a long way off.

The Gunners are currently fourth favourites in the Premier League title betting and can be backed at 8/1.