Wenger hoping to hang on to Fab

ARSENE WENGER will hope Cesc Fabregas’ integral role at the heartbeat of the Arsenal side is enough to persuade the midfielder to remain at Emirates Stadium for at least another season.

The Spain international, 23, has told Wenger he wants to move back to boyhood club Barcelona, in the belief all of his ambitions can be fulfilled at the Nou Camp rather than in north London.

While welcoming the news their prodigal son, who left for Highbury when aged 16 in 2003, would like to return, Barcelona accept the Gunners must have the final say on whether any potential deal can be brokered.