Pep tests Arsenal’s Fabregas resolve

ARSENAL continue to face a battle to hold onto captain Cesc Fabregas — with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola vowing the Champions League holders will fight to the end to bring their former trainee back to the Nou Camp.

While there has been no formal statement from the Gunners and despite manager Arsene Wenger’s personal determination to keep hold of his key man, possibly even under improved terms, it appears inevitable Fabregas will leave before the transfer window shuts on August 31.

However, whether or not Barcelona will be able to stump up the £45 million (€51 million) fee Arsenal demand for their 24-year-old skipper remains unclear, with Guardiola claiming money was set aside to complete the deal yet Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood maintaining no improved offer had been lodged from the Spaniard’s initial £26m enquiry at the start of the summer.