Arsenal FC News: Arsene Wenger Smart to Debunk Joey Barton Transfer Rumors

Ahead of the Gunners' match with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, QPR captain and midfielder Joey Barton came forward and said that Arsenal attempted to bring him in during the summer. This is something Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has smartly denied.

According to Ross Jackson of Goal.com, Barton claims that Arsenal attempted to acquire him in a free transfer from Newcastle United.

Wenger has said that he has no idea where Barton's assertion comes from. Wenger never spoke with the controversial star.

"

I didn’t try to sign him, I don’t know why he says that, (Wenger) said. Certainly it’s not linked to him directly, as I’ve never spoken to him directly.

The agents always call you up and offer you players. What they report back to their players afterwards is something I don’t master.

"

While it's impossible to tell whether Wenger or Barton is telling the truth. Still, Wenger made the right decision to debunk the rumor immediately.

Barton can be a very solid player when his head is screwed on right. He makes mind-numbing decisions far too often on and off the pitch.

Barton has served jail time due to physical assaults in the past. One incident against former Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo directly led to the end of his tenure with the Blues.

He has also gotten into a number of on-field altercations, causing the Magpies to grow tired of him as well.

I think it's safe to say that Barton would have been far too much of a distracting presence with the Gunners. Wenger made the right choice in not pursuing him.

I get the feeling that Barton is making up stories to a degree in an effort to stir the pot prior to playing against Arsenal.

It certainly is no coincidence that Barton brought up this supposed news right before he readies to battle the Gunners. I'm quite sure Wenger knows that this is little more than a tactic on Barton's part.

If Wenger did explore the possibility of signing Barton, though, you have to wonder why. In terms of team chemistry, Barton is truly a liability. Perhaps it is just wishful thinking on Barton's part.  QPR ranks just 17th in the Premier League, while Arsenal is fourth.

Whatever the case, Barton should be focusing on the match rather than what happened this summer. He and QPR will have their hands full on Saturday.