Barcelona step up Cesc Fabregas chase as Arsenal battle to hold onto Spain star

Barcelona claimed to have taken the first step in agreeing a deal for Cesc Fabregas and remain determined to land the Arsenal skipper before the World Cup. The Spanish champions have pencilled in June 4 or June 9 as potential dates for Fabregas's unveiling. Barcelona technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, said: 'We have contacted Arsenal to ask them whether they are prepared to negotiate and are waiting for an answer.' Fab deal: Barcelona are determined to resign Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal this summerThe chances of a positive response are slim after Arsenal chairman, Peter Hill- Wood, insisted: 'We don't want to lose him and will do our damnedest to keep him.' Arsene Wenger was more concerned with arrivals after striker Marouane Chamakh's move from Bordeaux on a free transfer was confirmed on Friday. Wenger said: 'Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England and do very well.' Done deal: Marouane Chamakh, who will wear the No 29 shirt next season, is unveiled as Arsenal's new signingChamakh, who has signed a five-year deal worth £50,000-a-week, added: 'My goal was to join Arsenal out of all the English clubs. It is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child.'   Chamakh's signing was low key compared to that of David Villa at Barcelona, with 35,000 fans at the Nou Camp to welcome the £34million striker. Meanwhile, Arsenal have rejected the chance to sign Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.  Wenger welcomes 'fighter' Chamakh as striker is finally confirmed as a GunnerFabregas is staying! Arsenal chief Hill-Wood hits back at Barcelona bidArsenal poised to make £16m raid for Marseille midfielder MbiaARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail