Grapevine: Ecclestone denies Arsenal rumours

"I don't know too much about that, actually," the billionaire told Reuters at the Nurburgring when asked about a report in the Mirror newspaper suggesting he could be interested in the Premier League club.

"It's good if somebody is saying that, because maybe I will be approached and maybe it will be cheap," added the 76-year-old, who considered buying into Chelsea before the arrival of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

"I'll buy anything if it's cheap enough," Ecclestone added. "If somebody offers me something that I think is good value, I'll have a go."

Ecclestone confirmed that his daughter Tamara was dating the son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who left the club in April.

Dein, close to manager Arsene Wenger, was the man credited with much of the North London club's success over the past decade and knows Ecclestone socially.

"I talked to David obviously when they chucked him out, which I thought was a bit unnecessary," said Ecclestone when asked about any discussions with Dein about Arsenal.

Ecclestone, who frequently attends matches at Chelsea, said involvement in Arsenal could be embarrassing.

"Look at what a problem I'd be in with Chelsea if I bought Arsenal," he said.

Reports in the British media on Friday suggested that American tycoon Stan Kroenke, who owns 12.2 percent of the club, was preparing to launch a takeover bid for Arsenal.

The club's refusal to welcome Kroenke's overtures in April prompted the departure of Dein, who was sympathetic to the sale. Dein still has a 14.5 percent stake in the club.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said at the time that he would be "horrified if the club were to go across the Atlantic."

Saturday's Mirror suggested that an Ecclestone bid would be more acceptable by keeping the club in British hands.