i didnt read it from goal.com!
Im not saying that it will definitely will happen, i am just saying that you cannot believe managers when they talk about their players. Like Mark said maybe Arsenal are trying to play it down because they are heavily involved in the EPl and CL at the moment, and any announcement could unrest the team. Similar to Mancini who i believe will be leaving inter at the end of the season, but it has been denied because they still have the title to play for!
The fact that the rumours still link him strongly away from Arsenal and that he hasn't signed a new contract is suspicious and as i said before it is reason enough to keep discussing this possible transfer