Fab set for Nou Camp move

CESC FABREGAS’ Arsenal career looked to be over last night amid claims the midfielder has told Gunners manager Arsene Wenger he wants to leave the north London side to rejoin Barcelona.

The Arsenal captain has long been linked with a return to Barcelona, with whom he began his career, and with the Gunners having failed to win a trophy for a fifth successive season it appears the lure of a return to the club he supported as a child has become too great.

The 23-year-old, undergoing treatment in Spain for a broken leg sustained, ironically, against Barcelona in the Champions League in April, is understood to have told Wenger yesterday that he wishes to bring his seven-year spell at the club to an end.

Fabregas, while claiming he was ‘‘not in a rush to leave’’ the Gunners, recently reiterated his desire to play for Barcelona one day.

“I think I would like to go to Barcelona,’’ Fabregas, who signed an eight-year contract with Arsenal in 2006, said last week. “Before I go to the World Cup I want my future sorted out because it benefits nobody if I go into the tournament with something else on my mind.’’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta was taken aback by the frankness of Fabregas’ comments. “It is remarkable that the player has said that,” said Laporta.

“If the technical secretary (Txiki Begiristain) believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal.”

Barca’s determination to finally get their man and a bid in the region of €47m with the possible inclusion of Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure as makeweight could force Wenger’s hand.

Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste also said Valencia striker David Villa is very close to joining the club.

“Negotiations are progressing well, especially in the case of Villa,’’ he said.

“The situation with Cesc is different because it is very important to talk to his club. But what makes it easier is that both players want to come to Barca.’’