Gunners boss says captain will be staying at Emirates Stadium

 

 

Arsene Wenger is expecting the transfer speculation surrounding Cesc Fabregas to stop after talking to the Arsenal captain.

Barcelona have been trying to persuade the Gunners to sell Fabregas this summer and have seen one offer flatly rejected by the Premier League club.

Fabregas has previously suggested he would be keen to return to Camp Nou, but Arsenal have been steadfast in their refusal to countenance his exit.

New Barca president Sandro Rosell has now all-but conceded defeat in his bid to sign the Spain international this year and Wenger is hoping the rumours will grind to a halt.

Too much talk

"There was too much talk," the Arsenal manager told Sky Sports News.

"I always said that we are really, really wanting him to stay as he is such an important player for us.

"He's our captain, we want to keep him and that's why we are not listening to any offers.

"It just was not a problem of money, just the desire to keep him at the club.

"It is stopped (the talk). We never wanted to start anyway."

Wenger confirmed he had discussed the situation with the midfielder, but did not want to divulge the contents of the conversation.

He added: "I have spoken to him, of course, but I never come out publicly with what we talk about.

"There was a lot of unneeded talk that was not helpful for Arsenal Football Club and that's why I don't think we have to add anything to that.

"I know what is important for us. Arsenal Football Club is a massive club and what is important is that everybody focuses on being successful next season."