Pique hopeful of Fabregas arrival

The 22-year-old midfielder has made 163 league appearances for the Gunners since arriving from the Catalan club's youth ranks in 2003.

Fabregas has long been linked with a big-money move back to his former club, with the European champions believed to have been weighing up an offer for his services during the close-season.

Emirates Stadium supremo Arsene Wenger recently criticised the policies of Spanish sides, claiming their political approach can have a negative effect on the country's rising stars, leading Barca president Joan Laporta to apologise for any offense caused regarding the Spanish international.

However, reports continue to suggest that the Arsenal skipper will be the subject of of a bid from the la Liga giants either next summer, or in the January transfer window should the Gunners make a surprise early exit from the Champions League.

And Pique says Fabregas' arrival would only strengthen Pep Guardiola's vastly talented squad further as they attempt to replicate last season's unprecedented treble success.

"The arrival of Cesc Fabregas at Barcelona next season would be very positive," he told Onda Cero Radio.

"I am a lover of the game and with Cesc playing in our midfield we would be even more of a world-class side."

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.