Source: Daily_Mail
Cesc Fabregas' Barcelona approach blocked by Arsenal
Arsenal have risked alienating Cesc Fabregas after refusing to discuss their skipper's transfer with Barcelona on Wednesday night.[LNB]Representatives of the Catalan giants made contact with the north London club, only to be told Fabregas is not for sale. [LNB]The snub is sure to infuriate the Spain midfielder after he hinted earlier in the day that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was sympathetic to his plight and that his return to his boyhood club was simply a matter of time. [LNB] End game: Cesc Fabregas has said he has played his last game for Arsenal with a move to Barcelona on the cards[LNB]Speaking publicly for the first time since informing Wenger of hisdesire to quit the Emirates at a meeting last week, Fabregas revealedhis readiness to leave his future in his boss's hands. [LNB]But the clear inference was that Fabregas expected Arsenal to beginnegotiations with Barca, now he has told Wenger three times that he isdetermined to return to the Nou Camp.[LNB]'I will say only one thing I have got massive respect for ArseneWenger, Arsenal football club and the Arsenal fans,' said Fabregas,speaking at a press conference for Spain in Madrid. [LNB]'Even in my own house, I have not felt as loved as I have atArsenal. I had a long conversation with Arsene and it was the greatest[longest] conversation I have had with anyone in my life. [LNB] Centre of attention: All the talk surrounds Fabregas' future as the Arsenal star prepares for the World Cup with Spain[LNB][LNB] 'I respect him so, so much and I don't want to say anything more.Wenger said to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whateverhappens in the future. [LNB]'It is now all about Arsenal it is not in my hands. Now I justwait: it is up to Arsenal. Right now all I am thinking about is theWorld Cup everything else is the future and I am not going to sayanything else.'[LNB]Legacy: Barcelona president Joan Laporta would like to make the capture of Cesc his signing off gesture[LNB]Yet Arsenal's refusal even to go to first base with Barcelona nooffer was made on Wednesday could test Fabregas's current dignifiedsilence. [LNB]The snub is also likely to see Barca crank up the pressure on theplayer to openly express his determination to conclude his seven yearsin England. [LNB]Despite Arsenal's intransigence, Barcelona are steadfastly pursuingFabregas, although they have no intention of meeting an £80millionvaluation.[LNB]While the communication lines are closed between the clubs, anopening bid in the region of £30m Barca have set an upper limit of£38m is sure to be forthcoming.[LNB]One theory in Spain is that Arsenal are unwilling to do businesswhile Barca president Joan Laporta remains in charge due to a perceivedbehind-the-scenes courting of their captain.[LNB]Laporta stands down on June 30 and, despite his eagerness to secureFabregas before then, he stressed that his exit will not signal the endof Barca's efforts, admitting he does not expect a deal to be donewhile he is there.[LNB]Laporta said: 'The signing of Cesc is something we want to do but itis very complicated. I have never said that we want to complete thesigning before June 30. It will be delayed. [LNB]'I do not intend to do anything that could prejudice the price of the operation so that he arrives during my mandate.'[LNB] Arsenal are weighing up a move for 16-year-old Crewe midfielder Nick Powell. [LNB]Wenger has been alerted to the potential of the England Under 16 midfielder by scouts and he is poised to make a move for Powell after reports of his exploits with the national team in France. [LNB]Crewe have signed Powell long term to stop clubs taking him for free.[LNB] No guarantees... Barca target Fabregas refuses to pledge future to ArsenalLet my son go! Fabregas' dad pleads with Arsenal grant dream Barca switchFabregas won't join Barca this summer, says former Arsenal favourite PiresMertesacker is not for sale! Werder Bremen fire warning to the GunnersARSENAL FC
