Arsenal have been given a huge boost following Barcelona president Sandro Rosell’s admission that the club might have to give up on signing Gunners (13/2 Premier League winners) captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish star has been strongly linked with a move back to the Nou Camp having left the Catalan capital as a teenager to join Arsenal.
Since moving to north London as a 16-year-old Fabregas has gone on to make a huge name for himself, staring for the Gunners season after season.
However, in that time the 23-year-old has just one winners medal to show for his efforts, helping Arsenal claim the 2005 FA Cup on penalties.
Having helped Spain win the European Championships, and recently the World Cup, Fabregas’ stock has shot through the roof, leading to Barcelona making a £30million bid for the playmaker.
However, Arsenal were quick to turn down the offer, claiming the midfielder wasn?t for sale no matter the price.
Despite the player’s pleas to be allowed to re-join Barcelona (4/5 Primera Liga winners) Arsenal have stood firm and now look as though they may have succeeded in warning off the Spanish giants.
Barca president Rosell has admitted they may be unable to sign Fabregas this season and has hinted they may give up on their pursuit.
“Arsenal feels very hurt by Barca,” said Rosell to Catalan TV3.
“They don’t want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player (Fabregas) on the market.
“There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it.”
Barcelona’s admission could also stem from their current financial plight, the club having to take out a 155m euro loan to help ease their recent money troubles.
However, Rosell went on to say that he was confident that one day Fabregas would come back to the Nou Camp.
“He (Fabregas) will arrive, even if it is not now, it will be next year,” added Rosell. “We will see.”
Arsenal fans will now hope Fabregas (50/1 Premier League topscorer) will focus his attention on the Gunners domestic and European campaigns rather than pine for a move back to Barcelona.
The Gunners begin their pre-season fixtures on Saturday against Barnet (11/1 to beat Arsenal) before they head to Austria for their usual training camp.
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