Wenger On ‘Alert’ As He Confirms Fabregas Clause But Claims He’ll Stay At Barca

With the summer transfer window now open, there is plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Arsene Wenger responds to rumours of Cesc Fabregas moving this summer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the club have a clause in Cesc Fabregas’s contract but insists the midfielder has decided to remain at Barcelona for another season, according to the Mirror.

Fabregas has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent months after struggling to establish himself as a first team regular at the Nou Camp following his move from Arsenal two years ago, with both Arsenal and Manchester United said to be keen.

 United chief executive Ed Woodward left the clubs pre-season tour of Australia on Wednesday and the Mirror claim he’s returned to the UK to push through a deal for Fabregas. The report suggests the Spaniard is the champions No.1 transfer target and they’re prepared to increase their opening £26m bid with the Catalans understood to be holding out for £30m.

However, Arsenal boss Wenger – who’s remained in close contact with Fabregas since his departure in 2011 – admitted the north Londoners would be ‘alert’ to any movement on the players future because of a buy-back clause that was inserted into the midfielders contract when he was sold, but the Frenchman claims any attempts to try and sign him this summer are futile as Fabregas has decided to stay at the Nou Camp.

 “At the moment, Fabregas has decided to stay one more year at Barcelona.

“We have the clause in the contract so we would be on alert but at the moment that’s not something we’re after. Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Wenger’s comments are unlikely to deter United though, with reports claiming David Moyes is prepared to break the clubs transfer record if needs be to land the talented midfielder. However, it seems they would have competition if Fabregas does become available with the Gunners in pole position due to their buy-back clause.