Puyol: Fabregas ‘perfect’ for Barca

BARCELONA captain Carles Puyol has described Cesc Fabregas as “perfect” for the Catalan giants, just hours after the Arsenal skipper’s father expressed his belief that the Gunners will, reluctantly, end up allowing their prize asset to leave.

Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Barca, the club where he learnt his trade as a youngster before moving to Arsenal seven years ago as a 16-year-old.

Puyol, speaking at a press conference with Spain today, believes Fabregas would be a great addition to the Spanish champions’ squad.

“Cesc is an excellent player and a great friend. For me, he would be perfect for Barcelona. But we need to respect that he has a contract with his club,” said Puyol.

Fabregas, who has a contract with Arsenal until 2014, revealed recently he would like to return to Barca, and his father Francesc Fabregas confirmed yesterday that the playmaker wants the transfer completed “as soon as possible”.

Puyol said of his Spain squad-mate: “It’s very unusual to see Cesc nervous, but all this is a little problematic for him, because it’s a matter that is being talked about daily and he has fans, a coach and team-mates that he needs to respect.”

However, it seems that there may be no quick resolution to what could be a long-running transfer saga.

Barca corporate director general Joan Oliver confirmed on Monday they have been in contact with Arsenal regarding Fabregas but insists they have not yet made an offer.

“There is no offer. It’s true that the player has shown his desire to play at Barca, possibly this season. We have made a first contact with Arsenal, letting them know our intention to talk and this is the current situation,” Oliver said.

“We are in no rush and you never know how long these operations can last.”

Francesc Fabregas, who is also Cesc’s agent, also believes that talks between the clubs could be protracted. However, he feels in the end that Arsenal could give the green light for their captain to leave.

“The negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona are going to be very long,” Fabregas Snr told Radio Marca.

“Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated.

“Cesc is now focused on the Spanish national team, but he wants the signing to be closed as soon as possible.

“Cesc has always responded to Arsene Wenger with his work and we are also grateful to Arsenal because they have made our son a man. We only want this to end soon. At the moment he has a contract with Arsenal. I get the feeling the club don’t want to sell him but in the end will allow Cesc to leave.”