Source: Telegraph
Cesc Fabregas's father asks Arsenal to respect midfielder's wish to join Barcelona
In a clear attempt to place pressure on Arsenal and create momentum for the deal, Francesc Fabregas Snr also stressed that his son wanted the transfer completed before the World Cup. [LNB]'Arsenal have to respect the decision and the will of the player,' said Fabregas Snr. 'Cesc is now focused on the Spanish team but he wants to close the signing soon. 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. We just want this to end soon.' [LNB] Related ArticlesArsenal Trust urge caution from shareholderFifa should copy NBA in Cesc Fabregas affairTorres and Fabregas named final Spain squadHill-Wood: Arsenal aim to keep FabregasWhatever happened to Arsene Wenger's typical Arsenal?Sport on televisionIt is the first time that one of Fabregas's inner-circle has spoken out about the situation, with Arsenal increasingly bemused at how the saga is unfolding. It is now more than a week since Fabregas informed Arsene Wenger of his wish to leave, yet still there has been no formal offer from Barcelona.[LNB]Instead, it appears that the strategy from Spain is to gradually talk up the deal both in public and private. Such tactics would follow the pattern of Real Madrid's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo and are sure to anger Arsenal as they simply create maximum uncertainty without bringing the situation to any resolution.[LNB]Barcelona also released a statement on Tuesday on their website saying that they had made contact with Arsenal and wanted to talk. Arsenal's view is that there is little to talk about unless Barcelona actually make an offer.[LNB]As it stands, the two clubs are a long way apart in their respective valuations, with Barcelona hoping to pay £30 million for a player they lost to Arsenal for around £2 million seven years ago.[LNB]Arsenal will regard that as completely irrelevant now and, given that Fabregas has a contract until 2015 and is only 23, would expect an offer in the region of £50 million.[LNB]Barcelona and Fabregas Snr appear braced for a protracted summer of talks.[LNB]'Negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona will be very long,' said Fabregas Snr. 'Both sides are going to have to sit down several times because the issue is complicated.' Joan Oliver, the Barcelona director general, said: 'There is no offer yet.[LNB]'It's true the player has expressed his wish to play for Barca, perhaps this coming season. We have had first contacts with Arsenal in which we made known our intention to talk and that's the current situation. We are not in any hurry and you never know how long these operations can take. There is no time-frame.' [LNB]Carlos Vela, Fabregas' Arsenal team-mate, said he respected his captain's desire to leave. [LNB]'He will be going back to his country and it is good for him,' he said. 'It is difficult for big players, they want to win trophies and play in games like the Champions League final. I'm sure he's disappointed we have not won anything for five years. He is the star of our team and of course it is always better to have him in the team.' [LNB]
