• Premier League

Barca not prepared to spend big on RVP and Bale

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 21, 2012
Robin van Persie's form has led to Arsenal being labelled a one-man team at times this season © Getty Images
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Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has warned that the club will not pay "mad" transfer fees this summer, amid reported interest in the likes of Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale.

Premier League stars Van Persie and Bale have both been linked with moves away from Arsenal and Tottenham respectively, although their parent clubs would unlikely let the talented duo leave without putting up a fight.

Van Persie, 28, appears the most likely to be the subject of interest at the end of the season, as his current contract expires in the summer of 2013 and talks over a new deal have yet to get underway.

Barca, though, have no intention of paying over the odds for any player, cooling suggestions of big-money transfers for the likes of the Dutchman or Wales international Bale.

Bartomeu said: "Those players are very good, but we always need common sense in any negotiations. We will not enter the madness market but it is impossible for Barcelona to pay 40 or 50 million Euros for any player.

"This is a decision of the club. We can't fight against every club. But we have an advantage in that players want to come and play for Barcelona."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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