PSV Eindhoven today rejected Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller's claim that Mark van Bommel has agreed to join Arsenal in the summer.
The Dutch midfielder is tied to PSV until summer 2005, but Toppmoller believes he is Highbury-bound.
PSV chief spokesman Pedro Salazar Hewitt refuted suggestions that Arsenal had made an approach for the Dutch champions' captain.
He also warned Toppmoller to stay out of PSV's business.
"It's nothing to do with his club. No club has officially spoken to us about Mark van Bommel," the spokesman said.
"We believe in the player and the player says he has had nothing to do with it."
Toppmoller stirred up the speculation after watching his Leverkusen side draw 1-1 at home with Arsenal in the Champions League.
"They have just signed Kolo Toure, an Ivory Coast international, and I have heard that they have a pre-contract agreement to sign Mark van Bommel from PSV Eindhoven," said Toppmoller.
Van Bommel is believed to be among players admired by the London club, but PSV have repeatedly rejected suggestions that he has been in talks.
Due to the length of his current deal, van Bommel is not even in a position to sign such an arrangement which can only be negotiated by players with six months or fewer remaining on their contracts.
PA