Source: Daily_Mail
Barcelona threaten to prolong chase for Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona have warned Arsenal they will not be panicked into raising their bid for Cesc Fabregas - threatening to drag out the saga to the final day of the summer transfer window. [LNB]The Catalans feel they have the upper hand in negotiations because the Spain midfielder has told Arsene Wenger he wants to leave the Emirates Stadium.[LNB] And despite the Gunners demanding £80million for a player who Barca value at £30m, Nou Camp director general Joan Oliver insists he is prepared to play a waiting game. [LNB] Heading home: Midfielder Fabregas left Barcelona for Arsenal as a 16-year-old[LNB]'The worst thing we can do is fix ourselves a deadline,' he said. 'The only time limit we have is when the window closes, at the end of August.' [LNB]Arsenal have scuppered hopes of an early deal and sources in Spain suggest Joan Laporta has now decided not to get involved with negotiations before he leaves office on June 30. [LNB]His successor, elected on June 13, will have to complete the deal, though Nou Camp insiders will continue to work on it. [LNB]It seems increasingly unlikely that the impasse will be broken before the World Cup, especially as Fabregas is now turning his full attention to the tournament in South Africa. [LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Can you blame Fabregas for wanting to quit Arsenal? Cesc Fabregas has told Arsenal that now is the time for him to leave for Barcelona. The Spaniard has grown from a teenage prospect into a brilliant Gunners captain but his stint in north London now looks over. Is Fabregas right to quit Arsenal - or should he stick around for longer? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK The 23-year-old is said to have told friends that he is '500 per cent' sure of re-joining the club where he came through the youth ranks, but it is suggested he will not come out and make public a demand to leave Arsenal. [LNB]Barca insiders hoped Fabregas would make a declaration to strengthen their hand further, though they are confident it is a case of when and not if the deal is concluded.[LNB] Oliver said: 'All there is right now is interest that the player has shown in Barcelona and our initial contact with Arsenal. [LNB]'There hasn't been an official offer from Barca yet or a price from Arsenal. Everything is just speculation. Barca have of course put a limit on what we are willing to spend I'm not telling you what it is. [LNB]'If we reach an agreement, he'll come and if not, he'll stay at Arsenal. [LNB]'There is money to buy him because the club's finances are strong and we have credit from other clubs. For example, we're paying for (David) Villa in installments.' [LNB]Fabregas's father has upped the pressure by calling on Arsenal to understand his son's desire to return home. [LNB]'Arsenal have to respect the decision and the will of the player,' said Francesc Snr. [LNB]'Negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona will be very long. Both sides are going to have to sit several times because the issue is complicated. [LNB] 'Cesc is now focused on the Spanish team but what he wants is to close the signing soon. [LNB]'He has always responded to Arsene Wenger with his work and we are also grateful to Arsenal because they made my son a great player. We just want this to end soon. [LNB] Spanish stars: Fabregas (left) with Barca new boy Villa during Spain training[LNB]'At the moment he has a contract with Arsenal. I get the feeling that the English club do not want to sell but in the end will finally give in and let Cesc go.' [LNB]However, Alexander Hleb, who regrets making the move from Arsenal to Barcelona two years ago, has advised his former team-mate to stay in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]'I stay in touch with Cesc a lot,' the Belarus midfielder told the Daily Mirror. 'He and Gael Clichy are both very good players who must make their own decisions about their future. But I would advise them to stay. [LNB]'It didn't work out for Arsenal this season but, if Arsene Wenger keeps the side together, they can really go far next year. [LNB]'They play great football.I think they have a very good chance of the title next season.' [LNB] Mistake: Hleb (left) regrets walking away from Wenger and the Gunners[LNB] Barcelona's pursuit of Cesc Fabregas given green light by Spanish FAChelsea and Arsenal lining up move for Barca's teenage playmaker AssulinNigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote denies interest in Arsenal investmentBarca ready to pounce for Arsenal star ...but now it's Eboue back in their sightsUnited and Arsenal on alert as keeper Frey hints it's time to leave FiorentinaARSENAL FC
