Barca - Toure going nowhere

Arsenal target set for Camp Nou stay

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 11th August 2008  

Barca - Toure going nowhere

Toure: Arsenal link

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Barcelona have issued another hands off warning to clubs interested in Yaya Toure and insist the player is not for sale.

The defensive midfielder is rumoured to be a target of Arsenal as the Gunners seek experienced reinforcements.

However, a spokesman for Barcelona has told skysports.com that Toure, the younger brother of Arsenal centre-back Kolo, will not be leaving Camp Nou.

"Yaya Toure will not be leaving," said the spokesman.

Important

"He is an important player for the team and it does not enter our plans to sell him."

It had been rumoured that Barca could look to offload the Ivory Coast international as new manager Pep Guardiola bids to make his mark on his inherited squad.

But Guardiola is also adamant that the 25-year-old features in his long-term plans as Barca look to close the gap on La Liga champions Real Madrid.

"Yaya is a key man in my scheme," added Guardiola.