Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona striker David Villa, as his wife is expecting to give birth in February.

The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the past week, with rumours indicating that the Gunners have made a formal bid for the forward.

However, while the 31-year-old is thought to be keen on a switch to North London, he may opt to wait until the summer before leaving the Camp Nou as his wife Patricia is due to give birth next month.

A source told the Daily Star: "His wife is said to be expecting a boy in ­February, their third child. David doesn't want to be away during that time so a move now looks very unlikely.

"But David does want to leave – he is frustrated and a little sad, too. His time here hasn't been the best."

It is understood that Barca are demanding around £16m for the player, but still owe Arsenal money from the recent transfers involving Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song.