Pique: Cesc dreaming of Nou Camp switch

Cesc Fabregas has his heart set on playing for Barcelona next season, according to his Spain team-mate Gerard Pique.

The 23-year-old Arsenal captain, who came through the Barca youth system with Pique, has been a peripheral figure in Spain’s World Cup campaign.

But his down time has been spent, according to former Manchester United defender Pique, with those players he hopes will be his team-mates at the Nou Camp next term.

“I have known that Cesc wanted to join Barcelona for many years – but now it is more than about wanting to do it,” Barca defender Pique told the Daily Star Sunday.

“Now it is something he feels he must do.

“The World Cup has not been a good thing for Arsenal.

“It has meant that he has been spending every day with myself, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes – and he has made his feelings very clear to us.

“He is keeping his mind focused on Spain but his heart is in Barcelona. I think already in his heart he is wearing a Barcelona shirt next season.”