Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu played down speculations that his club will invest big money this summer chasing high profile stars.

The European and world champions have been linked with Premier League duo Robin Van Persie, who plays for Arsenal, and Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.

"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 50 million euro (£33 million - £42 million) 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," he added.

Tottenham will not give up their 22-year-old prodigy Bale without a mega-deal, especially as the Wales international is under contract until 2015.

However Dutch striker Van Persie, 28, could persuade the Arsenal board to releasing him as his contract expires in summer 2013, and he may seek a new challenge and the silverware that has been out of reach for the Gunners over the past few years.

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