Arsenal braced for Cesc battle

(GSM) – Premier League giants Arsenal are primed for a battle to hold onto star midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer as Barcelona continue their public courting of the Spaniard.

Fabregas, who rose through the youth ranks of Barcelona before switching his allegiances by signing for Gunners in 2003, has been widely reported to have already informed boss Arsene Wenger of his decision to return home.

Although there has been no official comment from the Premier League club, Barcelona show little sign of letting up in their public pursuit of the Arsenal captain.

The 23-year-old missed the end of the Gunners’ campaign after suffering a cracked bone in his leg during the Champions League quarter-final against the Catalan giants, which ruled him out of the return clash at the Camp Nou, and is set to return to action at the World Cup.

Fabregas, who played alongside Lionel Messi in the Barcelona youth ranks before moving to Highbury, has long dealt with the constant rumours of him returning to Spain, but always reiterated his commitment to the Gunners.

Last week, however, the player himself delivered something of a mixed message when speaking at an event near the Spanish city, claiming if he ever left the Emirates it would be to wear the Barcelona shirt and that he wanted his future sorted before the World Cup.

Vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed Barcelona already have the “will” of the Spanish midfielder.

Key to Fabregas’ decision is thought to be whether he can fulfil his ambitions with the Gunners, who have now failed to land a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

Arsenal are obviously determined to keep their talisman, contracted to the club until 2014 and one of the biggest earners in the squad, but could now be resigned to losing him.

They would look to secure a £40million fee for a player who has always been integral to Wenger’s long-term plans.

Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta was taken aback by Fabregas’ comments last week.

“It is remarkable that the player has said that,” said Laporta.

“If the technical secretary [Txiki Begiristain] believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal.”