• Premier League

Fabregas 'calm and optimistic' over Barca link

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 29, 2011
Cesc Fabregas has been heavily linked with Barcelona for each of the past three summers © PA Photos
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Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has declared himself "calm and optimistic" as speculation continues regarding a possible return to boyhood club Barcelona.

The Gunners are understood to have rejected one cut-price £27 million offer, but Barca are expected to return with an improved deal - offering a player exchange as a sweetener - for the Spain midfielder.

But Fabregas is not being swept up in talk about a move to Camp Nou and insists he is concentrating on getting himself fit ahead of the new season.

"I'm calm and I am optimistic. I have nothing to say and there is nothing to speak of," Fabregas was quoted as saying in AS. "If something happens, it is because it has to happen.

"For my part, I've begun to get in shape, which is what I have to do. If a player is on the market it is because the club does not want him. I have no problems.''

Last summer, Arsenal rejected a £30 million offer for their inspirational skipper, but have yet to make any official comment this off-season, though reports emerged recently that they would be willing to cash-in on Fabregas.

BBC Sport earlier this week quoted a senior Arsenal official as saying: "The offer was made formally in writing to our chief executive (Ivan Gazidis), and we said no straight away.''

When asked if the club expected an improved offer this week, the source added: "Possibly yes, and if it's enough then I expect we'll have to sell.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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