Arsenal may struggle to keep Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal look set for a struggle to keep their skipper as Barcelona chase hard

Arsenal look set for a struggle to keep their skipper as Barcelona chase hard

Arsenal look set for a battle to hold onto captain Cesc Fabregas, as Barcelona continue to publicly court the Spanish midfielder.

Cesc Fabregas. Pic/Getty images

Fabregas, who began his career in the Nou Camp youth system before heading to the Gunners as a 16-year-old in 2003, is reported to have already informed manager Arsene Wenger of his decision to return home.

The 23-year-old missed the end of the Gunners' campaign after suffering a leg injury in the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona, which ruled him out of the return clash at Nou Camp, and is set to return to action at the World Cup.

Fabregas, who played alongside Lionel Messi in the Barcelona youth ranks before moving to Highbury, has long dealt with the constant rumours of him returning to Spain, but always reiterated his Arsenal commitment.

Last week, however, the player delivered a mixed message at an event near the Spanish city, claiming if he ever left the Emirates it would be for Barcelona and that he wanted his future sorted before the World Cup.

Vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed Barcelona already have the "will" of the Spanish midfielder.

Key to Fabregas' decision is thought to be whether he can fulfil his ambitions with the Gunners, who have now failed to land a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

Arsenal are obviously determined to keep their talisman, contracted to the club until 2014 and one of the biggest earners in the squad, but could now be resigned to losing him.

They would look to secure a ufffd40million fee for a player who has always been integral to Wenger's long-term plans.

Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta was taken aback by Fabregas' comments last week.

"It is remarkable that the player has said that. If the technical secretary believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal," said Laporta.

The Spanish side are also hoping to complete a move for Valencia striker David Villa.

Vice-president Yuste added: "Negotiations are progressing well, especially in the case of Villa. The situation with Cesc is different, because even if you have the will of the player, it's important to talk to the club and if you can, find an agreement, but what makes it easier is that both players want to come to Barca."