Source: Daily_Mail
Cesc Fabregas wants to play for us, boast Barcelona as they step up bid for Arsenal captain
Barcelona have confirmed their interest in signing Cesc Fabregas and insist the Arsenal skipper is itching for a move to the Nou Camp.[LNB]The Catalan giants admit they are close to sealing a deal for Valencia striker David Villa - but the recruitment won't stop there, with Fabregas earmarked for a possible swap deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.[LNB]Barca are encouraged by Fabregas last week reiterating his desire to one day return to the club where he came through the ranks.[LNB] [LNB] See you soon: Messi (left) would welcome Fabregas back to Catalonia[LNB]And Nou Camp president Joan Laporta said today: 'It is remarkablethat the player has said that. If the technical secretary (TxikiBegiristain) believes we must make aneffort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal.'[LNB]Laporta also confirmed talks with Villa were on track after his vice-president Rafael Yuste had earlier claimed: 'Both Villa and Cesc want to come and that is very important. ButCesc's signing is more complicated because long negotiations with hisclub would lie ahead.'[LNB] [LNB]Yuste was speaking after the newly re-crowned La Liga championsheld a 'technical summit' on Monday in which they discussed ways toimprove a squad which is already bursting with stars.[LNB]Sources in Spain claim Fabregas will now speak to Arsene Wenger about his future today, strengthened by Barca declaring their hand, though he has been pictured this week working on his fitness in the Collserola mountains near Barcelona.[LNB]The deal for Villa could go through before the end of the week, with the fee thought to be about £40million, while Barca are preparing to offer a number of players in part-exchange for Fabregas.[LNB] Head above the parapet: Ibrahimovic (top) has been under fire[LNB]A number of options are available, with midfielder Yaya Toure and 19-year-old striker Bojan long been mooted for moves to north London, though the latest option could be to offer Ibrahimovic to Wenger. [LNB]Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, 31, is another possibility and would fit Wenger's desire to add experience to a central defence which is likely to lose William Gallas this summer.[LNB]Come home: Cesc on Spain duty[LNB]Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has been criticised for a lacklustre season, scoring a relatively disappointing 21 goals in 41 appearances for the free-scoring side since a move from Inter Milan last summer that cost £40m plus Samuel Eto'o.[LNB]Sportsmail revealed last week that Chelsea and Manchester City had been offered the 28-year-old for about £40m and Barca value Fabregas at the same amount.[LNB]The Arsenal midfielder has been diplomatic in handling constant questions about his return to Catalonia. [LNB]Few doubt he will one day return to the club he adores but left as a 16-year-old, though Fabregas has also shown immense commitment to Arsenal after the way they have shaped his career.[LNB]The 23-year-old has a further four years left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners are reluctant to let go of their midfield marvel. [LNB]However, Wenger has rarely stood in the way of those who want to leave and would seek a hefty transfer fee if the deal was to be done this summer. [LNB] Racing in: Villa (left) is set to join Messi at Barcelona[LNB]Fabregas set the tone at a promotional event last week when he confirmed his desire to eventually pull on the blaugrana shirt once more.[LNB]'You see your (Spain) team-mates succeeding here (in Barcelona) and it is exciting because you have worked alongside them for so long.[LNB]'I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing.'[LNB]However, as he has always been keen to stress, he added: 'I don't know when it will happen. I am happy at Arsenal and I am not in a rush to leave.[LNB]'Before I leave for the World Cup I want my future sorted out because it benefits nobody if I go into the tournament with something else on my mind.'[LNB]Fabregas is due to meet up with the Spain squad next Monday and, in an ideal world, would hope to have all the answers before turning his attentions to South Africa.[LNB] Highly rated: But Bojan (right) has struggled for first-team football[LNB]However, Yuste's comments confirm there is work to be done on the deal, while a move for Villa is much more straight forward.[LNB]Spain hot shot Villa has been courted by Europe's top clubs after hitting 20 goals or more in each of his 11 full seasons as a professional.[LNB]His 28 in 42 games in this campaign helped Valencia to third in La Liga and Champions League qualification, but the cash-strapped club could definitely do with the £40million they would receive from Barca.[LNB]Manchester United and Chelsea have been among Villa's suitors in the last 18 months, but the 28-year-old has always been half-hearted about leaving Spain.[LNB]Meanwhile, Toure's agent played down the prospect his player being used in a swap deal for Fabregas, but admitted a Nou Camp exit was on the cards for the 27-year-old.[LNB]Dimitri Selcuk said: 'Toure wants to play every game. It is likely that Toure will not remain at Barcelona.[LNB]'He is happy there, it is a great club but he does not want to spend his time on the bench.[LNB]'There is a one in a thousand chance that Toure will be involved in the move for Cesc with Arsenal.'[LNB] Arsenal poised to unveil free agent Chamakh as striker arrives in LondonFabregas set for summit with Arsenal boss Wenger as Barcelona move inFabregas alerts Barca as star admits he'll decide future before World CupMessi scores twice as Barcelona seal La Liga crown ahead of Real MadridARSENAL FC
