Cesc Fabregas: I'm staying at Arsenal - Barcelona lose battle

Cesc Fabregas has told boss Arsene Wenger that he will stay at Arsenalthis summer, Sportsmail understands.The Spain midfielder returned to the Emirates Stadium today for an open training session in front of Gunners fans and delighted his manager by committing his immediate future to the club. That's my boy! Wenger (left) and his captain Fabregas at the Emirates today The 23-year-old smiled as he led the team out and fears that he would receive a frosty reception were instantly dashed when supporters stood to applaud their idols.His body language was mixed and there was no sign of the public declaration of loyalty which so many had hoped to see, but he is understood to have later privately assured Wenger of his intention.Fabregas had his heart set on a return to Barcelona and made his intentions clear on a promotional visit to his homeland back in May. Smiles better: Fabregas shares a lighter moment with Robin van PersieHe hoped that would lead to a quick exit before the World Cup finals started, but the champions of Spain failed with a £29million back in early June and have failed to follow up with an improved bid.New Barca president Sandro Rosell refused to sanction a budget-busting bid as his club's finances were laid bare and an emergency £125m loan was agreed with Spanish banks.Arsenal maintained throughout that they wouldn't even enter into negotiations and it soon became obvious that even at the top of Rosell's £35m-£40m budget, no deal would be done with the Gunners.No question: The fans let their feelings known to Fabregas (left) as he trainedA daily stream of unsettling comments from Barcelona players, officials and coach Pep Guardiola - as well as briefings to the Catalan club - infuriated the Gunners and strengthened Wenger's resolve even further.Barca wanted Fabregas to get negotiations moving by handing in a transfer request or making further public pleas for a move, but the player was never prepared to betray a club he loves and a manager he sees as a father figure who made him into a world star. Amy Winehouse recovers from marathon pub crawl to attend restaurant launch with boyfriendSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsSmiling Cesc Fabregas looks happy to be back at Arsenal - but Barcelona target stays silent on where his heart liesLeo's London: More fool Fabio if Capello takes England gamble on kid WilshereARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail