Source: Daily_Mail
One week to sign Fabregas - Barcelona up attempts to lure Arsenal skipper
Barcelona have put a seven-day deadline on trying to wrest Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal after boss Pep Guardiola identified him as the player he most wanted this summer.
The European champions reportedly sounded out the Emirates Stadium skipper's representatives on Monday to see if the 22-year-old was open to a return to the club where he trained as a youth.
And while hearing he was interested, Barcelona have been told that Fabregas would not force a move without the Gunners receiving an offer that satisfied them.
Pep Guardiola wants three reinforcements and had identified Liverpool's Javier Mascherano as his No 1 choice to fill the problem holding midfielder role.
But with a limited budget and Liverpool determined to hold on to their Argentina international, Guardiola has apparently told his bosses that Fabregas would be his favoured signing if only one can be afforded.
With this in mind, the club's dealmaker, technical secretary Txiki Begiristain declared the club's interest in the Arsenal man at the weekend.
Fabregas's likely involvement in Arsenal's Champions League play-off against Celtic next Tuesday would prevent him from playing for Barca in the competition and all but kill a deal.
Fabregas is not an alternative to Mascherano and would operate in a midfield partnership with Xavi that would see Andres Iniesta pushed into a more advanced position on the left wing.
Xavi is excited by the prospect and has upped the pressure on sealing his return.
'He's a player who can give us the momentum we need,' said Xavi.
'He's a total footballer, who grew up with Barca and has the profile of a Barca player.'
Arsene Wenger has repeatedly insisted his star midfielder is not for sale and will be even more reluctant to sell following injuries to Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri.
Nasri is about a month away from returning from a broken leg and Czech midfielder Rosicky has suffered a hamstring strain which could keep him out for eight weeks.
Barca have made a soft inquiry to Arsenal with a £25m fee mentioned for Fabregas, but the Spanish champions will have to significantly increase the bid.
Guardiola is prepared to offer former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen and Brazil defender Henrique in return, but Wenger is not thought to be keen on the pair.
Barca realise they may have to wait until next summer before finally getting their man.
