Cesc Fabregas returned to Arsenal for pre-season training on Thursday and the Gunners remain positive that he will still be at the Emirates by the end of the month (4/6 Arsenal – top-4 finish in 2010-11).
The Spain midfielder was given an extended break following his exploits at this summer’s World Cup, amidst more speculation over his club future.
Barcelona made a bid for the Gunners skipper earlier this summer, believed to be in the region of £30million, with the La Liga champions still keen on doing a deal before the window closes at the end of August.
But Arsene Wenger is adamant that he has no intention of selling the midfielder and feels he can play a key role for Arsenal again this season.
The Gunners boss, who has held regular meetings with Fabregas, says the player is not for sale at any price and it looks like arsenal could win the battle.
The 23-year-old (7/1 – Arsenal top goalscorer 2010-11) looked relaxed and comfortable around his team-mates on Thursday and joined the rest of the squad for an open training session in front of thousands of Arsenal fans.
Meanwhile, Gunners winger Theo Walcott says he is confident the Arsenal star will stay in north London despite all the speculation.
The England international admits he has always enjoyed playing in the same team as the World Cup winner and is looking forward to teaming up with Fabregas (9/1 to be 2010-11 PFA Player of the Year) again this term
Walcott said: “I’m looking forward to seeing him back. He’s a fantastic player for us and our captain. After Spain’s victory, it’s a nice bonus to have a World Cup winner by your side.”
He added: “Cesc’s a big player for Arsenal so I’m looking forward to playing with him next season. After that (the World Cup) he just needed a good mental break from it all.”
Another youngster who looks set to play a bigger role for the Gunners this season is Jack Wilshere, following his loan spell at Bolton last season.
Wenger has indicated that the midfielder is unlikely to go out on loan again this term, with Wilshere pushing for a regular first-team berth.
The 18-year-old is believed to be on the verge of a full England call-up for next week’s friendly with Hungary having been omitted from the England Under-21 camp.
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