Wenger denies Fabregas deal progress

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says there has been ‘no movement’ in the potential transfer of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

Spain international Fabregas is once again the subject of intense speculation linking him with a return to boyhood club Barcelona.

Delegates from the La Liga and Champions League winners have reportedly been in London this week as they attempt to push through a deal.

It was confirmed on Friday that Fabregas will not join Arsenal’s pre-season trip to Germany, fuelling speculation a deal is imminent.

The English Premier League club cited his continuing rehabilitation from a hamstring injury as the reason for the skipper’s absence, while Wenger insists there have no new developments.

“The position at the moment is a ‘no comment’ situation because there is no movement at all,” Wenger told the Arsenal website.

France midfielder Samir Nasri has also been tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium, with Premier League rivals Manchester City believed to be his most likely destination.

As in the case of Fabregas, Wenger is determined to fight to retain the player’s services.

In regards to whether or not Nasri’s future had been resolved, Wenger said: “Not completely, but I want him to stay.”

“He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks.”

While Arsenal could yet begin next season without two of their key players, centre-back Johan Djourou is confident the team will survive any upheaval.

“Of course we do not want our best players to leave, but if they have to go, they will go and I am sure the manager will replace who will go,” Switzerland international Djourou told the club’s website.

“We know that every summer, you are going to have a big story about players leaving and coming in.”

“For us players, it is just about focusing on the team and being ready for the season.”