Arsenal continue to face a battle to hold onto Cesc Fabregas with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola vowing the Champions League holders will fight to the end to bring their former trainee back to the Nou Camp.

While there has been no formal statement from the Gunners and despite manager Arsene Wenger’s personal determination to keep hold of his key man, possibly even under improved terms, it appears inevitable Fabregas will leave before the transfer window shuts on August 31.

However, whether or not Barcelona will be able to stump up the £45 million fee Arsenal demand for their 24-year-old skipper remains unclear, with Guardiola claiming money was set aside to complete the deal yet Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood maintaining no improved offer had been lodged from the Spaniard’s initial £26 million enquiry at the start of the summer.

Whatever transpires, with the future of contract rebel Samir Nasri also not yet resolved, Arsenal fans and Wenger alike face a testing final few weeks of the transfer window.

Guardiola told a news conference: “They have agreed to negotiate and we will try to reach an agreement.

“There is money set aside for this player and until the last day we will try to bring in Cesc because he will make the squad better.

“I hope that something can be sorted. Until August 31 there is time, but at times things don’t always work out.”

Fabregas did not take part in Arsenal’s Asia tour, remaining behind in London to work on his fitness following a hamstring problem.

The World Cup winner may not also be included for Saturday’s friendly in Cologne, but new signing Gervinho could make the trip to Germany after finally completing his £11m move from Lille.

The Gunners have been expected to bring in some more defensive cover, with Germany international Per Mertesacker and Bolton defender Gary Cahill re-ported targets, while Valencia midfielder Juan Mata and Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic, at Lyon, are both possible additions should Fabregas leave.