Wenger steers clear of Beckham link with Gunners

ARSENE WENGER moved last night to distance the club from speculation that Arsenal are attempting to lure David Beckham to Highbury in the wake of his dressing-room bust-up with Alex Ferguson.

Wenger has played down suggestions that the Gunners could try to sign Beckham when the transfer window reopens in the summer if relations between the England captain and his club manager deteriorate in the meantime.

Arsenal have steadfastly adopted a cautious strategy to the transfer market, with Sylvain Wiltord being their record signing at £11million. However, club sources were reported to have told the Evening Standard that, despite the financial impact of building a new stadium, they could still afford a £30 million fee for Beckham if he became available.