Barcelona denies Van Persie contact

Published Feb. 5, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied the club have held talks with Arsenal over striker Robin van Persie.

The Holland international's Gunners contract expires in 2013, leading to intense speculation over his long-term future at Emirates Stadium.

Reports suggested the Spanish giants had spoken with the Londoners with a view to landing Van Persie in the summer.

However, Barca say no contact has been made with the club or his agent and that they are focused on winning the Liga and Copa del Rey.

"Nothing exists with RVP," explained Bartomeu after Saturday's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

"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."