Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has rubbished suggestions that the club have held secret meetings with Arsenal over the potential summer signing of Robin Van Persie.
The Dutchman, who was in fine form on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick and assisting twice in the 7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers, has been linked with a summer move to the Catalan giants according to the Spanish media.
With Van Persie's current contract due to expire in 2013, questions are being asked about his Arsenal future. However, Bartomeu has moved to dispel suggestions that Barcelona have made contact with the player's representatives.
As reported by Sky Sports, he said: “Nothing exists with RVP.
“It's rumours that appear in the papers. We've not contacted Arsenal, nor his agent.
"Our focus is now on the Liga and Copa del Rey.
"It's necessary to be focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the transfer market."
Van Persie has been in stunning form this season, finding the net 27 times in all competitions.
Arsenal currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just two points off of Chelsea, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League place.
Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and are hoping to extend the gap between themselves and a chasing pack which include Newcastle United and Liverpool.
