Source: Daily_Mail
Cesc Fabregas tug of war intensifies as Barcelona's Carles Puyol backs bid for Arsenal star
Champions: Puyol and Xavi (background) celebrate winning La Liga with Barcelona[LNB]Barcelona captain Carles Puyol stepped up the public campaign for his club to sign Cesc Fabregas by insisting the Arsenal captain was 'perfect' for the Nou Camp.[LNB]Fabregas's father had earlier called on Arsenal to respect his son's wishes and allow the 23-year-old to return home to Catalonia.[LNB]And Barca director director general Joan Oliver warned the Gunners they were ready for a long fight to complete the deal. [LNB]Puyol said: 'Cesc is an excellent player and a great friend. For me,he would be perfect for Barcelona. I would love to see him with theazulgrana, but we need to respect that he has a contract with his club.'[LNB]Puyol,who is on international duty with Fabregas ahead of the World Cup,observed: 'It's very unusual to see Cesc nervous, but all this is alittle problematic for him, because it's a matter that is being talkedabout daily and he has fans, a coach and team-mates that he needs torespect.'[LNB]Fabregas's father, Francesc Snr, said: 'Arsenal have to respect the decision and the will of the player,' said Francesc Snr. [LNB]'Negotiationsbetween Arsenal and Barcelona will be very long. Both sides are goingto 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] Heading home: Midfielder Fabregas left Barcelona for Arsenal as a 16-year-old[LNB]'Hehas always responded to Arsene Wenger with his work and we are alsograteful to Arsenal because they made my son a great player. We justwant this to end soon.[LNB]'At the moment he has a contract with Arsenal. I get the feeling thatthe English club do not want to sell but in the end will finally givein and let Cesc go.' [LNB]TheCatalans feel they have the upper hand in negotiations because theSpain midfielder has told Wenger he wants to leave the Emirates Stadium.[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 And despite the Gunners demanding £80million for a player who Barcavalue at £30m, Nou Camp director general Joan Oliver insists he isprepared to play a waiting game. [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 ofAugust.' [LNB]Arsenal have scuppered hopes of an early deal and sources in Spainsuggest Joan Laporta has now decided not to get involved withnegotiations 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]Itseems increasingly unlikely that the impasse will be broken before theWorld Cup, especially as Fabregas is now turning his full attention tothe tournament in South Africa. [LNB]The player 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] Spanish stars: Fabregas (left) with Barca new boy Villa during Spain training[LNB] Oliver said: 'All there is right now is interest that the player has shown in Barcelona and our initial contact with Arsenal. [LNB]'Therehasn't been an official offer from Barca yet or a price from Arsenal.Everything is just speculation. Barca have of course put a limit onwhat 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]'Thereis money to buy him because the club's finances are strong and we havecredit from other clubs. For example, we're paying for (David) Villa ininstallments.' [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] Mistake: Hleb (left) regrets walking away from Wenger and the Gunners[LNB]'I stay in touch with Cesc a lot,' the Belarus midfielder told theDaily Mirror. 'He and Gael Clichy are both very good players who mustmake their own decisions about their future. But I would advise them tostay. [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.' 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