Last Updated: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:58
Arsene Wenger's hopes of landing Morten Gamst Pedersen have been dashed after Mark Hughes reiterated he was not for sale.
Blackburn boss Hughes has stated clearly that Pedersen is not for sale and he has denied any contact with Arsenal after it had been widely reported that Arsene Wenger was ready to splash out £8million on the player or use Mathew Flamini in a player plus cash deal. Hughes has denied hearing anything from Arsenal and he says he would not sell the player and certainly not for the £8m being talked about, which suggests he may sell if the price were higher. He also claims the story is a piece of mischief making ahead of the two sides' meeting on Saturday.
"He isn't going anywhere and particularly not for £8m considering the price of players now," Hughes told the Sun.
"We've heard nothing from Arsenal and, in the week leading up to the game, possibly someone has been a little bit naughty.
"It isn't based on any fact. We're not interested in selling Pedersen."
Meanwhile Flamini is still expected to leave Arsenal over the summer as he appears to be surplus to requirements.