Source: Team_Talk
Barca 'closing in' on Spanish stars
arcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed they have opened talks over Valencia's David Villa and remain hopeful of signing Cesc Fabregas.[LNB] Barca retained the Primera Division crown at the weekend but have already earmarked potential new signings for next season as they attempt to counteract what could be another summer of heavy spending from arch rivals Real Madrid.[LNB]Regarding Villa, Laporta told the club's website: "We are in the negotiating process and everything is going in the right direction.[LNB]"We hope it is resolved soon."[LNB]Laporta continued: "Everything is on track and hopefully we can reach an agreement."[LNB]He added that Barca "have set a specific date and will do what is best for the club."[LNB]Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is another player on Barca's radar.[LNB]Laporta was taken aback by Fabregas' comments last week that he would like to return to the Nou Camp, where he played alongside Lionel Messi in the youth ranks before moving to north London in 2003.[LNB]"It is remarkable that the player has said that," said Laporta.[LNB]"If the technical secretary [Txiki Begiristain] believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal."[LNB]Fabregas said at a promotional event in Barcelona last week: "You see your [Spanish] team-mates succeeding here [in Barcelona] and it is exciting because you have worked alongside them for so long.[LNB]"I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing."[LNB]However, the Spain international - who has a long-term contract with the Gunners - also stressed: "I don't know when it will happen. I am happy at Arsenal and I am not in a rush to leave."[LNB]But he added: "Before I leave for the World Cup I want my future sorted out because it benefits nobody if I go into the tournament with something else on my mind."[LNB]Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste told Catalonian radio station Ona FM last night: "Negotiations are progressing well especially in the case of Villa.[LNB]"The situation with Cesc is different because even if you have the will of the player it is very important to talk to his club and, if you can, find an agreement.[LNB]"But what makes it easier is that both players want to come to Barca."[LNB]Asked about the future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined Barca last summer from Inter Milan in a deal which saw Samuel Eto'o and a fee head in the opposite direction, Laporta replied: "He has a contract with us. We are satisfied."[LNB]Ibrahimovic scored 21 goals in all competitions in his first season with Pep Guardiola's side, although it had been reported the Catalan giants were keen to offload the Sweden international.
