Barton claimed on Wednesday that he had held talks with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger before making a move to QPR in August. The 29-year-old said he might have joined Arsenal had he not been involved in Gervinho's red card on the opening day of the season while playing for his former club, Newcastle. He clashed with the Gunners' new signing at St James' Park, going to ground after a fracas which saw the Ivorian sent off. Barton believes that incident was pivotal in Wenger deciding against bringing him to Emirates Stadium. However, Arsenal chief Hill-Wood says he had no knowledge of the manager trying to sign the tempestuous midfielder. He told the Daily Star: "It's not something the board heard about and if it was a serious proposition I certainly would have expected us to." Barton himself, as expected, later refuted the suggestion on Twitter: "Am not going to be drawn on PHW's comments. "He obviously needs to open a dialogue channel with Wenger, Pat Rice and Steve Rowley. "I feel I made the right move for me, am very happy at QPR and wish Arsenal, the best of luck. Everything happens for a reason, I believe."
