Barcelona have denied talking to or agreeing a deal with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.
Spanish radio reports on Wednesday morning claimed that the star midfielder had agreed a deal to join the reigning European champions this summer.
But the Catalan giants have moved swiftly to deny those reports, and say they've had no contract with Fabregas.
A statement on the club's official website said: "Given the exceptional repercussions created by the stories that have appeared in different media with respect to an agreement with Arsenal FC player Cesc Fàbregas, FCB flatly denies that there have been any negotiations or agreements with the player.
"In accordance with FIFA regulations, FC Barcelona's contract policy has always made it a priority to negotiate with the club of origin before making any particular agreement with the player.
"FC Barcelona wishes to stress that it has always maintained excellent institutional relations with Arsenal FC."
Meanwhile Gunners boss Arsene Wenger says he isn't concerned by the speculation surrounding Fabregas.
"There is no concern at all," he said.
"What is more of a concern is that we try everything to win something.
"He is committed when he plays, what's the future? We don't know what will happen in six months, in two years, in five years."
Your Comments
chrissyg1984
"totally agree with wesignedhimup, it is a story to bring up when there is no other news. As a gooner I do think he will go, as will Gallas and perhaps, if his form improves Arshavin. It is still a transitional process for this team and to be honest I'd rather be sitting third in the league then facing what poor pompey fans are facing. Further to this I don't think losing Cesc will have the impact that we'd expect. I'd personally be quite pleased with the upgrading of Ramsey into the team and someone like Vermaelen in the captaincy role."
chrissyg1984
"pillian- no need to get knickers in a twist as I wasn't addressing you. Seems to me that you are trying to convince yourself why you support Barcelona. I have supported Arsenal through the good times and the bad and see no reason to justify this.
On the topic in question (Pillian, alansbass & Gizmoney think they are far too important and that the topic should be about who they support and why, and while I'm on the subject, alanbass has to call me 'melon', haha, what's next 'apples and pears?' or didn't you 'adam n eve it')
Arsneal can refuse to sell Cesc, it's all the typical tabloid bandwagon"
wesignedhimup
"pillian - I am not a Barca fan but my understanding is Fab would be replacing Henry, Iniesta would move to the left and Fab would be in the middle that is what would happen.
This story just won't go away and I agree it seems to be one for when there is not much else.
I do not believe Barca would negioate a deal with Fab, it is fair to say they would be able to match and better what he is on at Arsenal if it arises.
They have probable let Arsenal and Fab aware that if every they want to sell he wants to come back to let them know, it's called registering an interest.
I think the power lays with the player because of the bosman, moral etc. We have seen it with numerous players, I also think Arsenal would be fair with Fab and him with Arsenal and it would be amicable if he decides he wants to move on (e.g. the Ronaldo give us one more season and then you can go)."
bahafc
"Jayson- 2 teams fighting for top spot with 4 other teams wanting the CL spot.
Talking about the premier league or the Spanish league, seems to me that there are only 2 teams in the pecking order for the premiership this season to me?
Cesc loves Barça and has stated he wants to join them eventually, their style of play suits him a lot and when he decides and Barça want him they will make an offer and he'll leave, simple."
pillian
"facts of the matter here are that Fabregas himself has reiterated only recently that he will be returning to barca one day. The problem with him returning now is that he won't get his game!!
iniesta and xavi are both better than fab..as seen by the way he doesn't get his game in the spanish team ahead of them.
i'm an irish barcelona fan. if chrissyg1984 is suggesting that this is "easy" he should try supporting them himself. barca are at the moment the best team in the world, but it doesn't take someone long to find a period in which they always played second fiddle to the madridistas with their buckets of cash.
the reason i support barca is that it was the first stadium i was ever in (some impression it left i can tell you!!) and they play the nicest football, plus the way the club is run also makes it amazing, with them paying unicef to advertise on their jersey.
the question is why if you're irish and therefore neutral in supporting english prem teams, is it frowned upon to choose to support a team like barca??!"
jayson
"Wildatheart - you seem to know a lot about the situation. But you didn't know that Barca had told Fab that he was too small and would never make it unless he got stronger? Arsenal offer money for him, Barca say ok! Hardly stealing from the playground now is it?? World Class league .... you mean 2 teams fighting for top spot with 4 other teams wanting the CL spot ... now thats what I call world class!! Fact of the matter is he signed a new contract 2 years ago - Arsenal can just say NO sale! Its quite simple, on the other hand Barca pay us £45/50 mill and we walk away and start grooming Ramsey! World class as he is we have players waiting to step up."
alansbass
"chrissyg1984 - Does one have to be Spanish to support FC Barcelona? I have Argentinian and French friends who support Arsenal, you should hear their cockney accents!!!! Melon!"
gizmoney
"What a silly thing to say chrissyg1984. You can make out accents from reading can you? Ingenius."
EmadManUtd
"here's what'll happen
fabregas will leave sooner or later then arsene will 'hail' fran merida as the new fab. The best case scenario is nasri replacing fab"
chrissyg1984
"gizmoney-You sound very spanish, must be nice to support the team winning all the time, must take no effort at all"
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