Nene Plays Down Arsenal Link

Nene's remarkable scoring record with Portuguese outfit Nacional had meant that the Brazilian striker was on Arsenal's transfer radar, media reports last month indicated.

However, the highly-rated 25-year-old, who arrived in Portugal last summer from Cruzeiro, has moved to cool any such speculation as he attempts to concentrate on his performances with Nacional.

"I only know about the rumours in the press. I have spoken with my agent and we still have not received a concrete offer," Nene told Antena 1.

"I am focused on helping Nacional to secure success this season. My dream is to progress in football and it is normal that I desire a bright future."

The striker has netted an amazing 14 goals in 17 games since arriving at the Estadio da Madeira, and had also reportedly attracted the interest of Portuguese giants Benfica, although media reports in England, most prominent amongst them those of tabloid newspaper The Sun, had indicted that the Gunners had emerged as the favourites to secure the player's services if and when he decided to move on.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has apparently had the player watched by scouts, and could be set to make a move in the summer, with the forward contracted to Nacional until 2010.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com