Barca rubbish Fabregas talk

Barcelona have totally rubbished reports in Spain suggesting that they have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas next summer.

One Barcelona-based radio station suggested that a deal for the 22-year-old Spain international, who started out as a youngster with Barca before heading to England in the summer of 2003, was nearly complete.

An official statement from the Spanish and European champions read:"Given the exceptional repercussions created by the stories that have appeared in different media with respect to an agreement with Arsenal FC player Cesc Fabregas, FCB flatly denies that there have been any negotiations or agreements with the player.

"In accordance with FIFA regulations, FC Barcelona's contract policy has always made it a priority to negotiate with the club of origin before making any particular agreement with the player.

"FC Barcelona wishes to stress that it has always maintained excellent institutional relations with Arsenal FC."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had earlier played down the rumours coming out of Spain, saying:"There is no concern at all. What is more of a concern is that we try everything to win something.

"He is committed when he plays, what's the future? We don't know what will happen in six months, in two years, in five years."

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