QPR skipper Joey Barton says Arsenal's failed pursuit of his transfer is proof they're in a mess. Barton also believes the Gunners are deluded if they still think that they are part of the European elite.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "Peter Hill-Wood said they never had any serious interest in me. I just don't understand.

"The dialogue between him and his coaching staff has broken down so severely that he doesn't know what's going on at his football club."

Hill-Wood claimed he knew of no attempt to sign Barton during the summer.

But Barton - available on a free at the time after the Magpies had allowed him to look for another club - hit back by claiming he did hold talks with Arsene Wenger before joining QPR.

He added: "I don't know (why Hill-Wood said that). Fair enough if I was claiming to sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona or Manchester City or Manchester United.

"But I don't think it's that big of a shout to say Arsenal were after me because it's definitely a club in - what shall I say - transition.

"Financially, they have put themselves in a great position but I don't know what's happening there. I don't understand.

"You look at Arsenal and you think, 'Well, they obviously have an abundance of money'.

"Their stadium is almost paid for. I would say, financially, they are the most well-run club in the league, barring Manchester City."