Arsenal, Barca agree Fabregas deal

Arsenal and Barcelona have reached an agreement in principal for the transfer of Cesc Fabregas to the Camp Nou, both clubs announced on Sunday.

The 24-year-old’s transfer to Barcelona remains subject to the midfielder agreeing terms with the La Liga champions and passing a medical, which is set for Monday.

Neither club has disclosed the sum involved in the deal, but it is believed Fabregas will cost Barcelona a fee in the region 40 million euros, along with 5 million euros in add-ons.

“We have been clear that we didn’t want Cesc to leave and that remains the case,” Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told the club’s website.

“However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his hometown club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.”

Barcelona confirmed through their official Twitter account that a deal had been reached.

Fabregas’ transfer to the Camp Nou puts an end to an eight-year spell at Arsenal, having joined the club as a 16-year-old from Barcelona’s youth set up.

The Spain international, who was named as Arsenal captain in 2008, made 303 appearances for the Gunners, netting 57 times.