Wenger: No interest in Fabregas yet
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated the importance of keeping Cesc Fabregas in North London as he prepares for fresh interest from Barcelona in the midfielder’s signature.
The summer period has so far become a chore for the Gunners manager, who has had to repel constant transfer speculation linking his players with moves away from Emirates Stadium.
Club captain Fabregas has been particularly susceptible to interest from other clubs, with a return to Barcelona continually touted.
Strong interest from the Catalan side 12 months ago almost materialised into a move for the Spanish international, but at the 11th hour Wenger persuaded the 24-year-old to stay for at least one more season.
It is widely expected that Barcelona will reignite their interest this summer, but Wenger has revealed that “there hasn't been an interest” registered as of yet.
Wenger was forthcoming in admitting that Barcelona attempted to sign his star player last summer, but stressed the need for Arsenal to stave off any fresh bids.
“There was an interest from Barcelona last year which I won't hide,” Wenger said.
“My No.1 wish is to keep Fabregas - for me he is the best midfielder in the world and we naturally built the team around him.”
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Another frustrating season for Arsenal on all fronts will make it difficult for Wenger to tempt Fabregas to continue his loyalty to the Gunners.
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.