West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Presser Quotes

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has shot down speculation linking Hector Bellerin with a move to Barcelona.

The Gunners boss spoke ahead of Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion and was asked if he was aware of the Blaugrana's reported interest in the full-back. Goal's Chris Wheatley relayed his response:

Sport's Lluis Miguelsanz reported the Catalan club are set to open talks with Arsenal over a deal this summer for Bellerin, who recently put pen to paper on a new contract until 2022.

Wenger turned his attention to the FA Cup, in which his side have been drawn against Manchester City in the semi-final. Per Arsenal's official Twitter account, he is anticipating a difficult but entertaining contest:

The competition is the Gunners' only chance of silverware this season after they crashed out of the UEFA Champions League, while in the Premier League, the best they can realistically achieve is a place in the top four.

According to the Mirror's Joe Mewis, Wenger believes Arsenal face a real battle for a Champions League place this year:

"

We want to play in the Champions League next season we have a tough job with six, seven teams fighting for the places.

We are in the semi-final of the FA Cup and have an opportunity to do that. Success is to take the maximum out of the potential of the team. Nothing is good enough anymore so you try to do the best you can.

"

With Chelsea 10 points clear and virtually guaranteed to at least finish in the top four, the remaining three places are left for Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United to battle it out over.

The Gunners are five points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool, and a win against West Brom is needed to get them back on track. Wenger praised the Baggies:

Per Mewis, the Frenchman is aware of how crucial a victory is:

"

For us it is vital. It is a strange championship because there is no continuity.

You don’t really know where you stand you haven’t played the same number of games but what is for sure is we are in a position where we cannot waste points. You can never afford to lose. 

"

He also gave team news ahead of the clash:

Tony Pulis' men have lost both games in March since reaching 40 points in February and are unlikely to catch Everton, who are seven points and one place above them. Nevertheless, some big victories would cap an excellent season if they can kick on.

Arsenal have lost three of their last four league games and need to go on a winning run if they're to get back into the top four.

West Brom are capable of causing them problems thanks to their physicality and organisation and should relish a match at home to Arsenal—the Gunners will need to put in a strong performance to win.