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Barca forced to wait on Fabregas

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas is expected to sign for Barcelona in the very near future © Getty Images

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Cesc Fabregas will have to wait a little longer for his move to Barcelona, after negotiations over future payments made to Arsenal by Barcelona suffered a setback.

The transfer of the Spain international is still expected to take place, but reports that he would complete his move on Saturday may now prove premature. The two clubs are yet to reach agreement over success-based payments made to Arsenal should Fabregas deliver certain trophies for the Catalan club.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes revealed that talks are 'very advanced' for Fabregas but the Spanish champions will be forced to wait to clinch his signature. Fabregas has been linked with a move back to Barcelona all summer and reports this week have suggested Arsenal have accepted a bid of £35 million for him, with Valdes claiming on Friday that a deal was 'hours away'.

Two other Barcelona players revealed their delight at Fabregas' arrival as defender Gerard Pique tweeted: ''Today is gonna be a great day!!'' adding: "We now have him here".

Club captain Carles Puyol also wrote: "Welcome home!!! Happy to have you here @cesc4official."

A Barcelona spokesman even said that the club "hope to announce [Fabregas] within hours"; but celebrations from Barca players appear to be premature as an Arsenal statement said a "deal has yet to be agreed".

Whenever the transfer is finally sorted, Arsenal are reportedly set to announce the £12 million purchase of Brazilian midfielder Jadson from Shakhtar Donetsk as a replacement. Jadson claimed on Thursday: "If everything goes to plan, I'll have some news for everyone at the start of next week. Hope it works out."

Meanwhile another player looks on the verge on a move as Emmanuel Eboue, who has not been handed a squad number for this season, told Radio Abidjan: "I should be presented to Galatasaray by Thursday".

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