Barca confirm Hleb talks

Arsenal in talks over Belarus ace

Last updated: 19th June 2008

Hleb Alexander Arsenal v Birmingham

Hleb: Barca talks

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Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla has confirmed he is negotiating with Arsenal to sign Alexander Hleb.

The Belarusian star has been strongly linked with a summer move, with Internazionale, Real Madrid and Barca all confirmed admirers.

Ingla flew to London earlier this week and he has now admitted that talks are taking place.

Arsenal are reported to want at least 20million euros (£15.8million) for the 26-year-old, although it seems Barca may not be willing to go that high.

Negotiation

"The negotiation with Hleb is still in progress and despite him being a player with special qualities, if his club are not ready [to sell him], we have other options in mind," Ingla told Catalunya Radio.

There is pressure on Ingla and his colleagues to try and complete a deal for Hleb and any other targets after new coach Pep Guardiola stated he wanted his squad fully assembled by 6th July.

"We are not going to worry ourselves in our current operations," Ingla added.

"We want to close in on our signings by 6th July, but even if the motion of censure adds pressure to us we don't worry ourselves.

"We are hopeful the motion will not succeed and we will be able to plan the future."