Wenger keen to hold onto Fabregas

ARSENE WENGER is convinced Cesc Fabregas can become an integral part of the Arsenal side for years to come as the club embark on a new era at the Emirates Stadium.

Fabregas, 19, grew in stature last season as a string of impressive performances in midfield alongside Gilberto helped carry the Gunners into the Champions League final and also snatch fourth place in the Premiership

The Spain international joined Arsenal from Barcelona during September 2003, and made his first-team debut while still only 16 — a club record. Fabregas’ rapid development has perhaps understandably seen him linked with a big-money move away from north London — with Real Madrid’s new president Ramon Calderon declaring his interest in taking the midfielder to the Bernabeu.