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Barca won't break the bank

Image: Gareth Bale: Reported to be on Barcelona's wish list, but would demand a sizeable transfer fee

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club will not 'enter the madness market' this summer in pursuit of fresh faces.

Catalan giants have no plans to spend big on Bale and Van Persie

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club will not 'enter the madness market' this summer in pursuit of fresh faces. It has been reported that the Catalan giants will once again look to add world-class talent to their ranks when the window re-opens. Moves for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie have been mooted, with Barca known to be admirers of both. Bartomeu is prepared to admit that the North London rivals would be welcome additions to the Camp Nou ranks, but insists they have no plans to make a move. He is aware that sizeable fees would be required to lure Bale and Van Persie away from their current employers, and he claims Barca are not prepared to spend that kind of money.

Common sense

"Those players are very good, but we always need common sense in any negotiations," said Bartomeu. "We will not enter the madness market because it is impossible for Barcelona to pay 40 or 50million Euros (£33-42m) for any player. "This is a decision of the club. "We can't fight against every club. But we have an advantage in that players want to come and play for Barcelona."

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