The Arsenal manager has admitted he likes the player but insists he is not concentrating on brokering a summer deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated his admiration for David Villa but insists he is not lining up a move for the Barcelona striker.

The 63-year-old is believed to be a long-time admirer of the Spanish forward but was unable to lure him from Camp Nou during the January transfer window.

And, despite admitting to being a fan of the player, Wenger insists that he is prioritising more “immediate targets”, such as this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers.

He told reporters: “I’m not on the case. I like the player but, at the moment, we have some immediate targets that are more important to us – that means a win on Saturday.”

The Gunners host Rovers on the back of five consecutive wins in all competitions, although Wenger will be all too aware that the last time his side lifted the trophy was in 2004.