Gunners prepared to fight for Fabregas

Barcelona appear ready to make a £40m bid for Cesc Fabregas, but Arsenal are set to fight to hold on to their captain.

Fabregas, who played in the Barca youth ranks before moving to Highbury as a 16-year-old, has long dealt with the constant rumours of him returning to Spain, but always reiterated his commitment to the Gunners.

Last week, however, the player himself delivered something of a mixed message when claiming if he ever left the Emirates it would be to wear the Barcelona shirt.

It is now widely reported the 23-year-old has already informed manager Arsene Wenger of his decision to return home.

There are likely to be further talks as Wenger tries to persuade his talisman to stay but it appears Fabregas's heart is set on a move away.

Although there has been no official comment from the Premier League club, Barcelona continue to show little sign of letting up in their public pursuit of the Arsenal captain.

Key to the midfielder's 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, but could now be resigned to losing him.

Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta was taken aback by Fabregas's comments last week, but will push ahead if a deal can be made.

"It is remarkable that the player has said that," said Laporta.

"If the technical secretary (Txiki Begiristain) believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal."

While the loss of Fabregas would be a massive blow, Wenger has been active in his summer recruitment drive already as he looks to complete the formalities of Marouane Chamakh's arrival.

The Moroccan has been in London to put the finishing touches to a free transfer move from Bordeaux, which can be officially confirmed once his contract with the French club expires.