Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Barca pledge Fabregas patience

01 Jun 2010 - 07:30:05

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Barcelona general manager Joan Oliver has called for patience in his club's pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas has been a long-time target of the Catalan giants and they finally appear to be closing in on a player who left their youth team ranks for the Gunners seven years ago.

The 23-year-old midfielder is reported to have told Arsene Wenger of his desire to return to his boyhood club, but the Arsenal manager is believed to be reluctant to part company with his prized asset.

Meanwhile, Barcelona officials like Oliver and club president Joan Laporta continue to express their interest in the Spain international, who could cost them around £40million.

"This'll be a long process," Oliver said on the club's official website. "The player is under contract with another club.

"What he wants and what we want isn't enough - there's Arsenal.

"We understand that he is a very important player for them."

His comments follow those of Laporta's in recent days when he warned the north London club that Barcelona would not pay over the odds for Fabregas.

He told the Spanish press: "We will not sign any players for above market value.

"We are interested in signing Cesc and Arsenal know that, but we will not pay an exorbitant price for any player.

"When it comes to market prices, we'll strengthen where we can, but will not pay an unrealistic price."