Arsenal will not move for Beckham

Beckham has a year left on his Madrid deal

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has dismissed the idea that England captain David Beckham might join the Gunners.

Widespread reports on Sunday claimed Arsenal would make a move for the 30-year-old, who has one year left on his contract at Real Madrid.

Arsene Wenger has praised Beckham's ability but Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "It is absolute nonsense.

"Beckham's name has never come up at boardroom level and I would be very surprised if Arsene is interested."

Wenger was quoted as saying that he was a big fan of Beckham at the weekend but stopped short of saying he was interested in signing the former Manchester United player.

And Hill-Wood added: "I am sure he is looking around for players, but for which position I don't know at the moment.

We're playing good enough football to fill the new stadium anyway Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood

"I don't think going for big names is Arsene's method. He will buy a young player he thinks is going to fit into his system."

Sunday's reports suggested Wenger had earmarked Beckham as a player who could help the club fill their new stadium at Ashburton Grove as well as boost the club's income through shirt sales and sponsorship.

But Hill-Wood said: "He's not interested in buying a star. We're playing good enough football to fill the new stadium anyway."

Beckham was part of the Madrid side that were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal last week.

The midfielder still has one more year on his deal after this season, and has indicated he would be willing to extend his stay at the Bernabeu.

But the Spanish giants are, however, in a transition phase under temporary head coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro and following the resignation of president Florentino Perez.

And Lorenzo Sanz, who is running for presidency at the end of this season, has been quoted as saying Beckham was not a great player and he had no interest in how many shirts he sells.