Wenger slams Xavi over Cesc

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at Barcelona star Xavi for suggesting Cesc Fabregas is ‘suffering’ at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal rejected bids for their Spanish captain last off-season, but Fabregas, 24, has continually been linked with a move back to Barca, where he was a product of their famed youth academy.

With Wenger desperate to hang onto his prized assets Fabregas and French ace Samir Nasri, the manager has lashed out at the comments from Xavi, labelling them ‘disrespectful’.

“I believe a mutual respect between the clubs should stop this kind of comment,” Wenger told The Guardian.

“It is very disrespectful and it is not the first time that Xavi has been disrespectful to Arsenal Football Club.”

“What is important is that Cesc Fabregas is contracted to Arsenal Football Club. That is a fact. Arsenal want to keep him.”

Speaking at a press conference in Spain, Xavi said Fabregas was desperate to leave the Gunners.

“I spoke to Cesc in Ibiza and he said he was suffering, because he really wants to come,” Xavi said.

“It’s what he most wants, he’s done everything he can to come and wants Arsenal to let him go.”