Barca aim for Cesc deal in SA

Talks with Wenger could happen, according to Oliver

By Mike Barton   Last updated: 12th June 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Barca aim for Cesc deal in SA

Fabregas: Could move at end of World Cup

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Barcelona are hoping to secure the signature of Cesc Fabregas during the World Cup, according to corporate director general Joan Oliver.

The Arsenal captain's future has come under close scrutiny since the end of the season, with the Catalans confirming their interest and already having an offer for the player rejected.

The 23-year-old, who is currently with the Spanish squad in South Africa, has made no secret of his desire to rejoin the club he left to move to the Gunners at the age of 16 at some point in his career.

Arsenal are refusing to budge on their decision to keep the inspirational midfielder, who is one of the leading lights in the Premier League.

With Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in South Africa, Oliver insisted that he would do all he could to negotiate Fabregas' sale whilst the tournament was in progress.

"Cesc has arrived in South Africa to play the World Cup, but there are a lot of football people there," said Oliver.

"Wenger will be there and there will also be representatives of Barca (there).

Three-sided affair

"This is a three-sided affair and the third side (Arsenal) have not expressed themselves in any way.

"There is a player who wants to come here, but he has a contract. We have made an offer (of 35million euros) and they have said that the player is not for sale. The problem is between the player and the club; we haven't been invited to the table."

Despite their clear interest in securing Fabregas' signature, Oliver accepted that the process could be a lengthy one depending on Arsenal's willingness to discuss a deal.

However he dismissed claims that Real Madrid were also interested in the player, which could spark a bidding war that would suit Arsenal's desire to get as much money for the transfer as possible.

"You can never predict when a signing will be closed," Oliver added. "In this world, when you put a deadline on it, you always end up losing out.

"They (Arsenal) can negotiate with whoever they like.

"But what a coincidence... when Barca are negotiating for a player, another club appears out of the blue - it's always the same.

"We complete signings when the price is reasonable. And the story of Cesc is what it is. The player has said both publicly and privately that he wants to play for Barca."