Source: Telegraph
Cesc Fabregas and Robinho on Barcelona's radar
Fabregas, a Barcelona youth-team product, has long been linked with a return to the Catalan giants even though the player and his club have always maintained he is committed to seeing out his long-term contract. [LNB]But Begiristain said of the 22-year-old to Spanish daily Sport: "He is a player with the Barca profile. He was born here, breathing football. One day, he will end up playing at the Nou Camp, I'm sure." [LNB] Related ArticlesCesc Fabregas leaves Spain squadWorld Cup 2010: the teamsThe Daily Bung: Cesc's kiss goodbyeSt ?ienne warn Arsenal over Blaise MatuidiCesc Fabregas reveling in new Arsenal roleStuart Pearce: no issue between me and WengerAsked if there was any truth to rumours of an Emirates exit, Fabregas, who yesterday had to withdraw from international duty with Spain owing to a "serious family matter", said: "Now I can't even talk about Barca. [LNB]"We are in the middle of the season, I have a contract with Arsenal and I must complete that for my current team. [LNB]"Everything just started and I think only about the best for Arsenal - when the time comes we'll talk about the future."[LNB]Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants the deal to be completed before the end of the current season so that Fabregas does not become collateral in the forthcoming presidential elections. [LNB]Meanwhile, Barcelona are expected to bolster their squad in January with Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure likely to be away on African Nations Cup duty. [LNB]Brazil forward Robinho looks to be another player on the European champion's radar and could be eager for a move away from City having featured only three times this season. [LNB]"He's a very interesting player and can play the Champions League," Begiristain said of the £32.5 million striker. "There are possibilities for strengthening [at Christmas]. We will be very alert to see if an interesting option comes up. [LNB]"In January Barca will lose midfielders [so] we are going to see if some of our defenders can play in midfielder. It is an option - depending on that we could look for a forward."[LNB]A move for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery could also be resurrected. [LNB]"We have a great relationship with Bayern Munich and eventually we told them we were interested in signing Ribery," Begiristain said of the summer attempts to sign the 26-year-old France international. [LNB]"Twice we have offered money for him and both times we were told he was not for sale. And it is true, because they said the same thing to Chelsea and Real Madrid. [LNB]"If Bayern Munich puts Ribery on the market, we'll know first. Another thing is the price, of course." [LNB]Begiristain insists, however, that treble-winning coach Pep Guardiola has not been overly demanding regarding players he wants to see brought in. [LNB]"I must say that Pep has never complained or pressured us," he added. "He knows how the football transfer market is and sometimes it is impossible to sign any player you want in spite of the efforts you make." [LNB]
