Celebrating their first star over the Spanish emblem last night, Pepe Reina of Liverpool called Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal for something Spanish. Before Reina was done with Cesc, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol jumped on him and forced a Barcelona shirt on him.

Reina didn’t help but he did make sure that the shirt stayed on for a while. And I don’t know Spanish that much but I think Reina said something about “Barca” and “Espana” before crying out “Cesc”.

Note: This is something that was a joke between the players. This should not be taken seriously. Fabregas is a teammate of both Puyol and Pique, they have every right to pull a joke on him. Arsenal fans, RELAX!

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rubbished reports suggesting that Croatian international forward Eduardo is set to leave the club.

The Gunner has scored just six league goals in 41 appearances for the Emirates Stadium outfit, with the Brazilian-born striker's progress halted abruptly in February 2008 after breaking a leg and dislocating an ankle during a match against Birmingham City.

GEAR: Get an Eduardo shirt

The former Dinamo Zagreb has struggled to rediscover his form for Arsenal since, with a succession of minor injuries hampering his comeback.

And with Wenger having already brought in Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh this summer, reports have claimed that Eduardo could be on his way out of the Gunners' door, freeing up funds to recruit an additional goal-getter.

However, the Arsenal boss has insisted that the forward - who has scored 18 goals in 29 games for Croatia - still has a big part to play in North London.

"Eduardo is an Arsenal player and I am expecting a lot from him this season," Wenger told Sportske Novosti.

"He had a terrible injury - he went through hell - but I think his workrate is fantastic and his determination, which is exceptional, will be of great use to Arsenal."

Arsenal have acquired and developed some wonderful British talent over the years. However, at times many pundits mock (due to the number of foreign players at the club now) and seem to forget that the Gunners are in fact an English based team. In tribute to those British players who donned the famous red and white of Arsenal in the past and present, this article will feature the best of British Arsenal had to offer in one unique team. Here is my all-time Arsenal best British XI:

David Seaman (Goalkeeper)

Seaman was arguably one of, if not, the best ever goalkeepers in Arsenal’s history. The Englishman was bought to the club by George Graham for £1.3 million (a record British signing for a goalkeeper at the time) in 1990. Seaman spent 13 years at Arsenal where he made a total of 478 appearances and holds the current clean sheet record in the Premier League with 130. The former England international was also named in the team of the decade (from 1992/3-2001/2) and holds 75 caps for his country, England’s second-most capped keeper behind Peter Shilton. David Seaman managed to pick up 9 trophies whilst at Arsenal, which includes 3 First Division/Premier League titles and 4 F.A. Cups. The 6’ 3’’ shot-stopper became widely known around the world and enhanced his skills and reputation whilst at the North London club until 2003 when he left for Manchester City. David Seaman was one of the Premier Leagues finest goalkeepers alongside Peter Schmeichel and without a doubt deserves his place in this all time English Arsenal Line-up.

Ashley Cole (Left-Back)

Although he may be hated by the Arsenal faithful, Ashley Cole remains one of the clubs best full-backs, ahead of Kenny Sansom and Nigel Winterburn. I was really torn as to whom to put down in this position, but considering impact, skill and movement Ashley Cole does rank amongst the other two contenders. Ashley Cole was arguably one of the brightest English players ever to come out of the Arsenal youth academy, who certainly adapted well to the Arsenal first-team and made the full-back role his own. Cole possessed great pace, movement as well as attacking prowess and actually revolutionized the full-back position for up and coming full-backs. The past full-backs at the North London club didn’t push up as much, yet Cole was able to attack and defend to the same capacity. The England international signed his first professional contract in November 1999 and spent 7 years at Arsenal enhancing his abilities. Cole made a total of 224 appearances for the Gunners and managed to bag 9 goals along the way. The speedy full-back picked up 2 Premier League titles and 3 F.A. Cups and was apart of ‘The Invincibles’ in the 2003/04 season. A great player for the club…it’s just a shame he didn’t stay longer.

Tony Adams (Centre-Back)

Mr. Arsenal himself, Tony Adams epitomized what a centre-back was all about, strong, dedicated and vigorous. The famous Arsenal no.6 spent his entire 19 year career at the North London club where he made an outstanding 672 appearances for the Gunners and netted 48 goals as well. At the tender age of 18, Adams became a regular starter for the Gunners from the 1985/86 season onwards. Along with Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon and Steve Bould, Tony Adams was part of the ‘famous four’ that lined up in the Arsenal defence…probably the most famous back line in the English game. In 1988 he became the clubs captain and remained it until his retirement in 2001. The resolute defender captained his beloved Arsenal to 4 Premier League titles (2 First Division titles), 3 F.A. Cups, 3 League Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1993/94 season. Arguably Arsenal’s best ever defender, hence why all the clubs fans refer to him as Mr. Arsenal.

Sol Campbell (Centre-Back)

The Sol man had to be in the line-up purely for the fact that the Englishman was a beast of a defender in the Arsenal back-line (some may say he still is). Arsenal brought in the former Spurs player in 2001 and was arguably one of the most controversial transfers in the history of the Premier League, but what a decision it was from Wenger. Campbell was an absolute rock in the Arsenal defence and was voted by tens of thousands of fans worldwide as the 15th greatest Arsenal player of all-time. The 6’ 2’’ defender spent 5 years at Arsenal from 2001 to 2006, where he picked up 2 Premier League titles, 3 F.A. Cups and was apart of the invincible side in the 2003/04 season and was also in the team who took part in the clubs only Champions League final. Sol Campbell resigned for Arsenal in January 2009 and proved to doubters that the Englishman can still cut it in the top-flight. Campbell has made 209 appearances for the club and also netted 10 goals as well, not bad for a centre-back. A real rock of a defender, and it was a shame him and Adams were not in the same Arsenal line-up, I don’t think they would have conceded a goal! Ok that maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but still what a force that would have been.

Lee Dixon (Right-Back)

Another part of the ‘famous four’, Lee Dixon was a traditional full-back for the Gunners, who did his job, and did it superbly well. Dixon very rarely ventured forward, but was absolutely brilliant in his defensive duties. His reading of the game and positional sense was remarkable and was no doubt an influential figure in the late 80’s early 90’s. The right-back made over 550 appearances for the North London club and managed to accumulate 9 trophies within his 13 spell at Arsenal, which includes 4 First Division/Premier League’s and 3 F.A. Cups. I don’t think there was another English right-back better than the 5’ 10’’ full-back. A reliable and solid performer throughout his career in the Arsenal attire who definitely deserves his place in this line-up.

George Armstrong (Left Midfield)

Nicknamed by the older generation of Arsenal fans ‘Geordie’, George Armstrong was one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers in the 60’s and 70’s. Armstrong was a traditional wide-man who was primarily noted for his high energy levels, pace, speedy forward runs and accurate crossing ability. The winger was principally a left winger, but was also as effective on the opposite flank. Armstrong was apart of the double winning side in the 1970/71 season, and having spent 15 years at the North London club, the adaptable winger made an outstanding 628 competitive first-team appearances (500 of which were in the domestic league) and is currently the third highest in the appearance ranking for the club.

Ray Parlour (Centre Midfield)

14 years at the North London club, 445 competitive first-team appearances and 32 goals, Ray Parlour was undoubtedly one of the most famous faces in the Arsenal midfield in the 90’s. The curly haired tenacious midfielder was not noted for his goals and flair, but more of the rough and tumble style. Parlour was a very versatile midfielder who was also capable of playing on the right side of the midfield, but the centre was where he imposed his presence the best. Nicknamed ‘The Romford Pele’ by many, Parlour was somewhat of an unsung hero and was a firm fan favourite purely for his high energy performances week in week out. The centre midfielder won 3 Premier League titles, 4 F.A. Cups, 1 League Cup as well as a UEFA European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1995. Parlour’s last season came in 2003 where the Englishman claimed a historical mention in the side which went on a fantastic unbeaten season. Ray Parlour was the modern day version of Patrick Vieira, although he wasn’t technically gifted as his other team-mates, the Englishman made up for it with his high level of desire and determination. Ray Parlour is a legend end of.

Paul Merson (Centre Midfield)

Paul Merson was possibly one of the most technically gifted Englishman ever to wear the famous red and white of Arsenal. The 5’ 11 midfielder possessed bag of skills, great movement, superb passing ability as well as extraordinary vision which made him, without a doubt, one of Arsenal’s greatest ever English players. Merson was a very versatile player, who played upfront, as a playmaker midfielder as well as a winger; equally, he performed in all three positions brilliantly. In His 11 year stay at Arsenal, Merson managed to rack up a total of 425 appearances in all competitions as well as hitting the net 99 times. He was a brilliant player to watch, and ideally set the tone for aspiring playmakers at the club. Merson helped Arsenal to 2 First Division titles, 1 League and F.A. Cup as well as a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. A true legend for Arsenal and is he is still loved by many of the Arsenal faithful to this day.

David Rocastle (Right Midfield)

Known to the Arsenal faithful and his team-mates as ‘Rocky’, David Rocastle was one of Arsenal’s finest and gifted players in his time. The right-sided midfielder possessed great pace, dazzling skill, attacking prowess as well as a fine touch and control of the ball, basically an all-round performer. From 1984 to 1992, the Englishman made 277 appearances in all competitions for the club, as well as bagging 34 goals for Arsenal football club. Rocky was an inspirational and key player for the North London club who helped the Gunners to 2 League Championships in 1989 and 1991 as well as a League Cup triumph in 1987. Rocastle was undoubtedly a fan favourite and was truly an exceptional and influential footballer in his time, and one who is regarded by many Arsenal fans and ex-team-mates as an Arsenal legend.

Cliff Bastin (Striker)

The striker was the clubs all time goal-scorer with 178 goals in 396 starts for the North London club, and kept this record up until 1997 when Ian Wright shattered it. Bastin will not be remembered as much as the other noticeable strikers the club have had, but during the 30’s mid 40’s, the Englishman had an infatuation of scoring goals. The forward spent 17 years at the North London club in which he helped guide his side to 2 F.A. Cups as well as 5 First Division titles. By the age of 19, Bastin won an F.A Cup, League title and was also capped for England, which makes him the youngest ever player to do all three. Cliff Bastin was voted as the 16th greatest Arsenal player of all time on Arsenal.com by tens of thousands of the clubs fans. Cliff Bastin is the clubs third highest ever goal-scorer behind Ian Wright and Thierry Henry, and because of this deserves his place in this side.

Ian Wright (Striker)

Signed in September 1991 for only £2.5 million from Crystal Palace, who would have thought Ian Wright would have had such an impact on the North London club as he did. The Englishman spent 7 years at Arsenal, where he made a total of 285 appearances in all competitions for the club and bagged a remarkable 185 goals. Wright surpassed Cliff Bastin’s goal scoring record which was held from 1939 to 1997. Wright’s record was then broken in 2005 by none other than Thierry Henry, which means Wright stands as Arsenal’s second highest ever goal scorer at the club. Whilst at Arsenal, the striker lifted up 1 Premier League title, 2 F.A. Cups, 1 League Cup and 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Wright was also picked in the PFA team of the year twice in 1993 and 1997. The Arsenal forward also claimed the Golden Boot in 1992 as well as a place in the English Hall of Fame in 2005. Unquestionably Wright was one of Arsenal’s finest ever strikers and was an absolute goal machine. Ian Wright was undoubtedly a great goal scorer as well as a scorer of great goals, an Arsenal legend for sure.

Thursday, May 13

12:40: Cesc Fabregas: I think I would like to go to Barcelona - whether they want me, who knows?
Arsenal captain states in a question-and-answer session in Spain that should he leave the Gunners then it would be for Barcelona, uttering the ominous words, "I think I would like to go to Barcelona."

Friday, May 14

09:25: Fabregas: My future needs to be resolved before World Cup
Fabregas insisted that he would like to have his future settled before the 2010 World Cup.

Saturday, May 15

10:32: Xavi: I'd love Cesc Fabregas to join us at Barcelona
Midfielder admitted he would "love" Fabregas to return to the Spanish giants this summer.

Tuesday, May 18

08:27: Cesc Fabregas flew back to London but closer than ever to Barcelona switch
EXCLUSIVE: Goal.com UK revealed Fabregas was flying back to London ahead with his mind set on leaving Arsenal for Barcelona.

08:45 Barcelona officials claimed Cesc Fabregas & David Villa want to join Barca - but Arsenal insisted there had not yet been any official approach
Club officials at Barcelona declared that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and Valencia striker David Villa want to sign for the Spanish champions and had confirmed that they were working towards bringing the duo to Catalunya.

14:09: Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic mooted as make-weight in deal for Fabregas, speculate Catalan daily El Mundo Deportivo.

17:59: Cesc Fabregas told Arsene Wenger in 'emotional' meeting that he wants to quit Arsenal for Barcelona
EXCLUSIVE: The skipper told his boss in an unexpected face-to-face meeting that he wants to quit Arsenal and rejoin Barcelona, as revealed by Goal.com UK.

Wednesday, May 19

12:10: Barca's transfers guru Txiki Begiristain hopeful that Cesc Fabregas will leave Arsenal
Technical secretary Txiki Begiristain sure that Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas will definitely move to Camp Nou soon.

14:48: Arsenal refuse to drop £40m price for Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas.

16:59: Arsenal still yet to receive any offer for Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas.

22:09: Xavi still eager to see Cesc Fabregas at Camp Nou after admitting delight with David Villa deal
Xavi again luring Cesc to Camp Nou while also hailing the confirmed £34m signing of David Villa from Valencia.

Thursday, May 20

00:24: Arsenal raised price that Barcelona would have to pay for star Cesc Fabregas to £80m, according to the Daily Mail.

09:16: Gerard Pique expects Cesc Fabregas to join him at Barcelona
Defender and Fab's best friend fully expects Cesc to join him at Barcelona this summer, with the Spanish champions still readying a bid for the Arsenal captain.

15:30: Barcelona presidential candidate Sandro Rosell warns 'stratospheric debt' could scupper deal for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas


Friday, May 21

08:00: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood: We will 'do our damnedest' to keep Cesc Fabregas from going to 'funny business' Barcelona
EXCLUSIVE: Peter Hill-Wood declared that Arsenal will fight tooth and nail to hang on to Cesc Fabregas, and the board have not even discussed the fee needed to prize their talismanic skipper from Emirates Stadium.

10:55: Barcelona star Xavi: Cesc Fabregas has no choice but to leave Arsenal
Third statement in a week from Barca vice-captain - who plays midfield role similar to Cesc - as he leads the rallying cry from Catalunya.

13:30: Barcelona prepared to send Alexander Hleb back to Arsenal as part of Cesc Fabregas deal, claimed the Daily Mail.

18:42: Txiki confirms Barcelona have made an approach for Fabregas, but have not yet heard back from Arsenal
At David Villa's unveiling and press conference, the technical secretary revealed that Barca have finally made the first move by asking Arsenal if they are willing to open negotiations for the sale of Cesc Fabregas.

Sunday, May 23

10:54: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger failed in his plea to keep captain Cesc Fabregas, claimed the News of the World.

Monday, May 24

08:11: Spanish FA's relaxed stance on transfer talks ahead of World Cup will aid Barcelona's pursuit of Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, reckons the Daily Mail.

12:40: Barcelona to fax through £30m offer for Cesc Fabregas to Arsenal today
EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona are preparing to make their first official approach to Arsenal to sign Cesc Fabregas by faxing through an offer in the region of £30 million.

Tuesday, May 25

07:53: Arsenal demand £80m from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas, reports The Sun.

09:30: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood: Barcelona are yet to make an offer for Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed that the Gunners are yet to receive an offer from Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas, despite the increasingly feverish speculation surrounding the player.

09:33: Aliaksandr Hleb urges Cesc Fabregas to stay at Arsenal, not join Barcelona
Aliaksandr Hleb has warned Cesc Fabregas not to make the same mistake he did and leave Arsenal for Barcelona too soon.

12:28: Cesc Fabregas' father claims Arsenal should 'respect the will' of his son and move quickly on Barcelona transfer
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas wants to leave north London and return to Barcelona as soon as possible, according to his father.

16:23: Barcelona defender Carles Puyol: Cesc Fabregas is suffering with the uncertainty surrounding his Arsenal future
Barcelona defender Carles Puyol revealed that Cesc Fabregas is starting to show the strain of continued speculation over his future during training with Spain

18:33: Cesc Fabregas is '500% sure' he wants his dream Barcelona move despite Arsene Wenger's attempts to keep his captain at Arsenal, claims the Express.

Wednesday, May 26

09:16: Villarreal midfielder Robert Pires sure Arsenal won't allow Cesc Fabregas to leave, despite Barcelona's advances
Villarreal winger Robert Pires believes that Arsenal won't let Cesc Fabregas leave for Barcelona.

09:32: Carlos Vela hints that Cesc Fabregas will leave Arsenal and join Barcelona to win trophies
Arsenal striker Carlos Vela reckons that Cesc Fabregas leaving the Emirates for Barcelona would be good for the midfielder's career.

12:16: Cesc Fabregas: My Arsenal future is in Arsene Wenger's hands
Fabregas insists that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is now in charge of his future and that he wants to concentrate on the World Cup.

Thursday, May 27

07:42: Arsenal tell Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas is not for sale at any price, reports the Daily Mirror.

10:04: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood refuses to rule out Fabregas sale & insists player sales cash will be Wenger's to spend
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood refused to confirm or deny Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona, but insisted that the club will back manager Arsene Wenger in the transfer market this summer.

Friday, May 28

10:39: Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ingla: Cesc Fabregas will definitely join us from Arsenal
Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ingla has insisted that Cesc Fabregas is on his way to Camp Nou, vowing to try and negotiate a "good price" with Arsenal.

18:40: Inter president Massimo Moratti admits defeat in aim to sign Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas
Inter president Massimo Moratti has seemingly ruled out a move for Premier League stars Cesc Fabregas and Steven Gerrard.


Saturday, May 29

11:57: Barcelona president Joan Laporta: We will not break the bank to sign Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona president Joan Laporta makes it clear that the Catalan giants will not pay over the odds or be held to ransom to secure the services of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Monday, May 31

18:56: Barcelona president Joan Laporta still working on Cesc Fabregas deal
Reiterating his determination that the club will not pay an excessive fee for Fabregas, the Barcelona president admits talks are ongoing between the two clubs, and thanks the young Spaniard for his public desire to return to the Nou Camp.

Tuesday, June 1

09:27: It is 'more clear than ever' that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will sign for Barcelona - Xavi
Barcelona midfielder Xavi admits he's "more clear than ever" that Fabregas will join him at Barcelona.

Wednesday, June 2

12:09: Barcelona chief Joan Oliver reveals 'first serious offer' made to Arsenal for Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona have submitted a formal offer to Arsenal to sign Fabregas, the club's sporting director Joan Oliver has revealed.

15:01: Arsenal reject official offer from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal have rejected an official offer from Barcelona for club captain Cesc Fabregas.

15:54: Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas: 'My Arsenal future? I live day-to-day'
Fabregas admits he is living "day to day" as he waits for his big-money move to Barcelona to be finalized.Thursday, June 3

10:46: 'Stressed' Fabregas examining legal options to push through Barcelona switch
EXCLUSIVE: Fabregas would be prepared to invoke the Webster ruling, which allows players under the age of 28 to buy out the remainder of their contract if they have served at least three years of it. The move would cost the player £28.6m, though.

16:44: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood: We hope Barcelona get the message about Cesc Fabregas and back off
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has urged Barcelona to get the message that they have no intention of selling club captain Cesc Fabregas.

19:00: Barcelona vice-presidential candidate: It should be 'so easy' to sign Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona vice-presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu has risked the wrath of Arsenal by claiming it would be "so easy" to sign Cesc Fabregas.

Friday, June 4

16:49: Barcelona president Joan Laporta defends "fair price" opening bid for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas
Laporta, while revealing that Yaya Toure is set to leave the club, also stated his belief that the £29m opening bid for Fabregas was "fair" and his confidence that Arsenal will "eventually change their mind."

Saturday, June 5

10:13: Barcelona presidential candidate Sandro Rosell: I refuse to pay £60m for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona presidential candidate Sandro Rosell refused to be persuaded to pay over the odds to prize Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

11:40: World Cup 2010: I am thinking about Spain, not Arsenal or Barcelona - Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas tried to shift the spotlight away from the hysteria surrounding his Arsenal future by claiming he is only thinking about the World Cup with Spain.

Sunday, June 6

16:42: Barcelona midfielder Xavi: I have told Cesc Fabregas to join me next season
Fabregas is urged to engineer a move to Barcelona by international teammate, and Camp Nou star, Xavi.

Monday, June 7

07:32: Arsenal to demand £60m from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas after £29m bid turned down, according to The Daily Mail.

21:53: Arsenal are interested in taking Yaya Toure as part of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona deal - agent
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could be used as a makeweight in a deal that would see the Ivorian swap clubs with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas.


Tuesday, June 8

16:20: Barcelona director general: Arsenal have not demanded we up Cesc Fabregas bid to £58m
Joan Oliver denies reports that the Gunners want Barcelona to double their initial £29m bid in order to sign the Spanish midfielder, stating his belief the Gunners have not set a fee they would be happy to sell their captain for.

17:08: Barcelona president Joan Laporta still hoping to sign Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas 'before the World Cup'
Outgoing Barca supremo reiterates intention not to give up pursuit of Fabregas, even admitting optimistically he hopes to get the signing sealed before the World Cup starts on Friday.


Thursday, June 10

15:48: Barcelona midfielder Xavi urges Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas to join Catalan club immediately After securing his own long-term future at the Nou Camp, Xavi urges his fellow Spaniard not to delay a move to Barcelona, as he believes he risks missing out on a golden era at the club.


Monday, June 14

08:58: Arsene Wenger: I've never talked to Cesc Fabregas about his Arsenal future Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal will not sell Cesc Fabregas and that he has not discussed the matter with the player himself as he has a long-term deal with the Gunners.

16:41: New Barcelona president Sandro Rosell vows to continue Fabregas pursuit Fresh from winning the race to succeed Laporta as club president, Rosell pledges to continue discussions with Arsenal — as long as Pep Guardiola really wants the the midfielder.
Tuesday, June 15

14:56: Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta: Talks to sign Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas 'on standby' Joan Laporta admits that negotiations with Arsenal over Fabregas are currently on hold, although he will inform new president Sandro Rosell of proceedings and presumes the new man will restart negotiations.

23:41: Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas claims the 2010 World Cup has 'isolated' him from Barcelona rumours
Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas claims he is focused on his national team commitments and is not concerned with the rumors circulating that he is set for a move to Spanish giants Barcelona when the World Cup comes to a conclusion.

Wednesday, June 16

16:47: World Cup 2010: Spain's Cesc Fabregas criticises Arsenal's slack preparation for big games
Fabregas risked widening his rift with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger by stating Spain's preparations for major games are better than those he's experienced at club level.

Thursday, June 17

12:54: Lionel Messi: Cesc Fabregas leaving Arsenal for Barcelona would be 'special'
Argentine forward eagerly anticipating Spaniard's arrival, as he believes Fabregas would play the game in the perfect way for the Catalans.

13:21: Barcelona want to swap Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Cesc Fabregas, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

15:55: New Barcelona president Sandro Rosell 'convinced' club will prise Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal New Barcelona president sure that Cesc will soon be arriving at Nou Camp — if only because there is no other club in the world he would leave the Gunners for.

Monday, June 21

07:32: Barcelona chief Joan Laporta insists Arsenal will 'give in' in Cesc Fabregas saga
The outgoing president of the Catalan club is sure they will get their man, but doesn't know when, though he admits it is now unlikely to happen before he hands over the reins to Sandro Rosell on July 1.

Thursday, June 24

08:30: Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was my idol
Fabregas reveals that former Barca midfielder Pep was his boyhood idol and role model, that the Barcelona people treated him well when he was there recovering from a leg fracture earlier this year - and that he has a debt of gratitude and affection for Arsene Wenger.

Thursday, July 1

00:43: Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas hints that he could remain with Arsenal
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has hinted that his move to Barcelona is not definite and the Spain international could remain with the Gunners after all.

Friday, July 2

21:46: Barcelona will not 'go crazy' to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas this summer - president Sandro Rosell
New Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that the Spanish champions will not "go crazy" in their attempts to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas this summer.

Sunday, July 4

16:29: Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is dreaming of Barcelona move - Gerard Pique
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique reckons Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas wants to join him at the Nou Camp next season.

Tuesday, July 6

13:30: New Barcelona president Sandro Rosell: We will not pay £50m for Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that his club will not pay anywhere near the £50 million asking price being demanded by Arsenal for Cesc Fabregas.

Thursday, July 8

08:04: Cash crisis could see Barcelona being unable to sign Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas or Liverpool's Javier Mascherano - report

Friday, July 9

00:40: Barcelona president Sandro Rosell to meet Arsene Wenger in South Africa for crunch Cesc Fabregas talks - report

Monday, July 12

00:12: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refuses meeting with Barcelona officials over Cesc Fabregas transfer - report

11:07: Cesc Fabregas 'proud' to be an Arsenal player after Spain win World Cup 2010
Cesc Fabregas remained coy regarding his club future following Spain's win over the Netherlands in Sunday evening's World Cup final.

Tuesday, July 13

07:46: Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas wears Barcelona shirt as Spain celebrate World Cup 2010 triumph
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have caused palpitations amongst Gunners fans after being pictured wearing a Barcelona shirt as Spain celebrated their World Cup triumph.

21:09: Cesc Fabregas' father dismisses significance of his son donning Barcelona shirt
After having a Barcelona shirt forced onto him by Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol during Spain's World Cup celebrations, Fabregas' father has moved to play down the incident.

Арсен Венгер руководил первой тренировочной сессией лета в среду. Тренер "Арсенала" провёл весь прошедший месяц в Южной Африке в качестве комментатора на французском телевидении.

Он вернулся на "Лондон Колни", чтобы просмотреть свой состав, в то время как его игроки готовятся к первому товарищескому матчу с "Барнетом", которая состоится в субботу.

Ожидается, что в этой игре примут участие члены первой команды: Лоран Косьелни, Маруан Шамах, Андрей Аршавин, Мануэль Альмуния, Томас Вермален, Томаш Росицки, Самир Насри, Тео Уолкотт, Денилсон, Джек Уилшир, Йохан Джуру и Киран Гиббс.

Официальный фотограф клуба сделал эксклюзивные фотографии с тренировочной поляны.

Главный тренер "Арсенала" Арсен Венгер заявил, что хорватский нападающий Эдуардо останется частью его команды и не покинет стан "канониров" этим летом.

Напомним, что 27-летний игрок в феврале 2008 года в матче против "Бирмингема" получил тяжелейшую травму, после которой вновь вернулся в футбол и продолжил выступления за "Арсенал". Но после неубедительной игры хорвата многие издания предположили, что Эдуардо может продолжить карьеру в другом клубе.

Однако, тренер "канониров" решил развеять все разговоры по поводу данного обстоятельства.

"Эдуардо является игроком "Арсенала", я ожидаю от него многого в предстоящем сезоне", - сказал француз в интервью Sportske Novosti. "У него была страшная травма - он прошёл сквозь круги ада - но я думаю, его работоспособность фантастична, и его стремление, которое является исключительным качеством, окажет "Арсеналу" большую услугу".

По сообщениям, "Бешикташ" выражает наиболее предметный интерес к хорвату, который перешёл в "Арсенал" из загребского "Динамо" в 2007 году.

Капитан "Арсенала" Сеск Фабрегас настаивает: то, что во время испанских празднований на него надели футболку "Барселоны", ничего не значит.

Полузащитника "канониров" долгое время связывают с возвращением в стан каталонского клуба, где он провёл 6 лет в качестве игрока юношеской команды до переезда в северный Лондон в 2003 году. Этим летом "Барселона" уже предлагала 35 миллионов евро за Фабрегаса, но предложение было сразу отклонено.

Защитники "Барсы" Карлес Пуйоль и Жерар Пике - при помощи вратаря "Ливерпуля" Пепе Рейны - совершили достаточно неоднозначный поступок, силой надев на Фабрегаса футболку "блауграны", когда сборная Испании праздновала своё триумфальное возвращение в Мадрид вечером понедельника.

Однако Фабрегас отшучивается, говоря, что не следует воспринимать это всерьёз.

"Есть вещи, которые случаются в особые моменты, и я не думаю, что на этом обстоятельстве нужно зацикливать особое внимание, потому что это был всего лишь обычный анекдот великолепной ночи, великолепного празднования", - сказал полузащитник "Арсенала".

"Бывают случаи, когда мы даже не знаем, что делаем, так что всё можно простить".

"Пепе вывел меня ближе к сцене. Правда заключается в том, что я даже не представлял, что такое может произойти, поэтому был немного удивлён".

"Первым делом я подумал, что это флаг или что-то вроде того".

"Случившееся не могло не повеселить меня, это всего лишь шутка, ничего более".

Фабрегас стал чуть более серьёзным, когда его спросили о том, в какой команде он будет играть со следующего сезона.

"Сейчас, я думаю, что чем меньше об этом будут говорить, тем будет лучше, потому что такие вещи плохи для каждого. Когда они всплывают в свет, то публика начинает говорить об этом куда больше обычного", - добавил 23-летний футболист.

"Прямо сейчас мы обязаны быть спокойными и будь что будет".

Напомним, что контракт с Фабрегасом действует ещё 5 лет, однако полузащитник не скрывает своего желания вернуться на "Камп Ноу".

"Канониры" серьёзно заинтересованы в приобретении защитника сборной Германии и "Штутгарта" Сердара Ташчи, сообщил агент футболиста.

Несмотря на то, что Арсен Венгер уже подписал Лорана Косьелни из "Лорьяна", ожидается, что он приобретёт как минимум ещё одного защитника, так как Вильям Галлас и Филипп Сендерос покинули клуб, а Сол Кэмпбелл и Микаэль Сильвестр близки сделать то же самое.

"Сердар осведомлён об интересе из Премьер Лиги и хочет играть там в определённой стадии своей карьеры", - сказал агент Ули Ферьер Sport.co.uk.

"Сердар уважает "Арсенал", так как это один из лучших клубов в Европе. Он был бы рад играть за такую популярную команду. Также Сердару нравится Арсен Венгер, его проделанная работа, он очень уважает француза".

Daily Mail сообщает, что "канониры" уже ведут переговоры с Ташчи. 23-летний игрок сборной Германии оценивается в 10 миллионов фунтов.

Сердар - немец турецкого происхождения. Основная позиция - центральный защитник, но он также может сыграть на правом фланге обороны. Рост - 186 сантиметров.