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Wenger denies any MVila talks

Yann M'Vila has been linked with Arsenal © PA Photos

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Manager Arsene Wenger has denied reports that Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Stories in the media this week had suggested M'Vila, 21, was close to agreeing terms on a move to Emirates Stadium in the summer - becoming the club's second big-money signing in as many weeks, after Wenger completed a swoop for Cologne forward Lukas Podolski at the end of April.

Wenger, however, has denied the club is currently in any talks for the defensive midfielder - although he did hint that he will resume negotiations for targets, possibly including M'Vila, at the end of the season.

"It is not true. There is not any interest at the moment," Wenger said. "We have not been in touch with anybody, we have not made any offer to anybody and we are nowhere near to buying anybody at the moment.

"We are focused on our final game of the season."

Arsenal need to win their final game of the season, against West Brom at the weekend, in order to be assured of Champions League football next season - and Wenger is confident the team will achieve that target.

"We have known final days like this before. Games where we've played for championships, or to qualify for the Champions League," he said. "It's a fantastic opportunity for us that we want to take. We are used to coping with that.

"At the end of the day, it's playing football. If we have more of the ball than West Brom, we'll have more chances to win the game. That's what we'll focus on. Just be faithful to the way we want to play football."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.