Toure says 'no' to Wenger (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Toure says 'no' to Wenger

11:57am Monday 29th December 2008 in

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ARSENE Wenger's plans to bring some steel to his Arsenal midfield have been dealt a blow after Barcelona's Yaya Toure ruled out a move.

Toure - whose brother, Kolo, plays for Arsenal - had been identified as the man to bring some much needed grit to the Gunners' midfield following the departure of Gilberto Da Silva and Lassana Diarra. With skipper Cesc Fabregas out until April, Wenger also saw Toure as an experienced leader who could take charge of his young midfield.

But Toure said: "I know of Arsenal's interest but I insist I have no desire to seek an exit.

"The rumours will not affect my game. My head is with Barcelona. There are no doubts."

Barca's technical secretary Txiki Begiristain added: "We are not predicting any exits or arrivals in January."