Source: Team_Talk
Wenger: Cesc must end Barca talk
Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to end speculation over his future once and for all.[LNB] The Spain midfielder, 23, was not part of the squad for Saturday afternoon's Emirates Cup opener against AC Milan, which finished 1-1, as, along with Holland striker Robin van Persie, Fabregas was given extra time off following the World Cup final.[LNB]Before he departed for South Africa, Fabregas is understood to have told Wenger of his desire to leave and rejoin boyhood club Barcelona.[LNB]Fabregas is not scheduled to return to England until after this weekend's Emirates Cup for Arsenal's official photocall on August 5 for the club's Members' Day.[LNB]Wenger remains confident his talisman will be fully focused on playing his part for Arsenal next season, the Premier League club having already rejected a £30million offer for their captain, who is under contract for another five seasons.[LNB]The Gunners boss, however, refused to confirm or deny reports he met face to face with his captain on Friday, but stressed now it was down to Fabregas to put the record straight.[LNB]"In the last six months, this story has made our lives difficult," Wenger said.[LNB]"At the moment, what is important is that when Cesc comes back, that he comes out.[LNB]"For me, I have nothing more to add.[LNB]"The conversations with the players have to be private because I cannot come out every time I speak with a player."[LNB]In recent weeks Barca have, publicly at least, appeared to admit defeat in their quest to land Fabregas before the transfer window closes at the end of August, although defender Carles Puyol, an international team-mate, maintains Arsenal are trying to keep hold of the player against his will.[LNB]Wenger has, however, clearly had enough of the whole saga, again re-iterating his captain was not for sale.[LNB]"They [Barcelona] certainly have a case to answer [on allegations of tapping up], but it is always the same - how can you prove it?" he said.[LNB]"Puyol is responsible for his own statements, which is why I have said before, only Fabregas can clear the air when he comes back from holiday.[LNB]"I cannot master what is written in the newspapers, I can only master our decisions.[LNB]"Cesc has five years to go [on his contract] and that's it.[LNB]"The speculation does not stop - who can stop the speculation? Only Cesc, that is how I feel.[LNB]"We cannot go into a season where every day you read about that.[LNB]"He has not played today, we have just played a football game and I sit here speaking about Fabregas."[LNB]Wenger stressed: "Barcelona have given up for a long time. I told you yesterday that what will happen is that Fabregas will stay here."[LNB]Returning to football matters, Wenger felt new signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny had acquitted themselves well on their home debuts.[LNB]Morocco striker Chamakh - a free transfer from Bordeaux - produced a neat finish to put the Premier League side ahead just before the break, while Koscielny, the former Lorient centre-back signed in a £10million deal, looked assured alongside Thomas Vermaelen.[LNB]Wenger's young Gunners were, however, eventually pegged back following several changes when Pato nodded in a free-kick with 14 minutes left and on Sunday face the challenge of Celtic, who drew 2-2 against Lyon earlier.[LNB]"Chamakh had good presence up front, and played a good intelligent game. He and Koscielny did very well," said Wenger.[LNB]"We wanted a player up front who can play for the team and works hard, who can go into combinations and at the back, someone who was calm, can read the game and play the ball out.[LNB]"Of course it is only one game, but their attitude in training is very good and they can only improve."[LNB]Wenger continued: "It was a good test for us, we have come back from a very hard working camp and you could see that some legs were still not completely refreshed.[LNB]"We were in trouble a bit for the last 20 minutes because we shuffled the team around, but overall we looked very solid defensively and dangerous going forwards.[LNB]"The only thing I would say is there was a lack of communication from the free-kick, you did not feel anybody took charge of the organisation."[LNB]There were also starts on Saturday afternoon for Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong.[LNB]Wenger was impressed by the contributions of the youngsters, and intends to keep both midfielders in his squad rather then send them out on loan.[LNB]"It is very positive for Arsenal," he said.[LNB]"Two 18-year-olds had a good battle. Of course they have a lack of experience, but they have individual quality and are fighters as well - they are not scared of anybody and put their foot in a positive way, they really go for it in the challenges."[LNB]AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, was happy enough with his team's performance.[LNB]"We have only been in training for 10 days and played against a team who have already been together for two weeks and have great quality," said Allegri, who replaced Leonardo earlier in the summer.[LNB]"We played very well and had a good spirit."
