Arsene Wenger opens up about Joey Barton’s Arsenal transfer claims ahead of Burnley clash

GETTY

Arsene Wenger has dismissed claims linking Joey Barton with a move to Arsenal

Barton this week caused a stir by revealing he was due to meet Arsene Wenger for talks in the summer of 2011.

The midfielder says his dream move to the Emirates was ended by a red card picked up just months earlier in Newcastle's 4-4 draw against Arsenal.

Barton ended up heading to west London to join QPR on a free rather than pitching up in north London with Arsenal.

GETTY

Joey Barton admitted he was close to joining Arsenal in 2011

But Wenger insists a deal was never in the pipeline. "I've been contacted many times to take Joey Barton. But he was never close to signing," said the Gunners manager.

"We had some fights with him, that's true. There was never any need (to take him) in midfield."

Barton, 34, lines up against Arsenal tomorrow having relaunched his Premier League career with Burnley following his controversial spell in Scotland with Glasgow Rangers.

Arsenal stars continue injury comebacks in training
Wed, January 18, 2017

Click through the gallery for the best snaps from Arsenal training

Play slideshow

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

1 of 8

Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Arsenal training

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton believes it is time manager Sean Dyche received due credit for Burnley's fine season back in the Premier League.

Dyche marks his 200th game in charge since taking over at Turf Moor in 2012 with tomorrow's trip to Arsenal.

"All I can give is my perception, and he's been absolutely incredible," Heaton said. "The job he's done with the club, the players, the team… I can't speak highly enough of him."

Original Article