Barcelona have risked enraging Arsenal by using their own TV
channel to push for the signing of Cesc Fabregas.
The Catalans are so frustrated at their attempts to prise the
midfielder from Arsenal that they are considering Everton's Mikel
Arteta as an alternative.
However, Barca star Andres Iniesta has kept up the public fight
for Fabregas by telling Barca TV that the 23-year-old would be a
perfect addition to their ranks.
Home: Fabregas is welcomed to his hometown of
Arenys de Mar at the weekend
'We all want him to come because he will help us to go up a
level - he's very complete,' said Iniesta. 'However, he belongs to
Arsenal and the two clubs must understand each other (in order for
a deal to be done).
Middle men: Fabregas and Iniesta (right) embrace
after winning the World Cup final
'He will be very happy here - Barcelona's style of play is very
well suited to him.'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has tried to brush off Barca's
interest as 'noise', while Gunners chiefs behind the scenes have
voiced their displeasure at constant propaganda unsettling their
captain.
Nou Camp president Sandro Rossell complained that the very
public pursuit had hurt his chances of signing Fabregas, but he has
done little to silence his players or colleagues.
Arsenal rejected an opening £29m bid in June and have made it
clear they will not enter negotiations.
Barca insiders are now hoping Fabregas will try to force a move
when he returns to club duites on Thursday, but the Catalans are
being forced to look at alternative signings.
Everton star Arteta has been suggested as an alternative by
coaches who know him well within the club.
Prank: Fabregas - pictured with Spain team-mate
Pepe Reina (left) - was forced to wear a Barca shirt when returning
to Spain as a World Cup winner
Like Fabregas, the 28-year-old was a trainee at Barcelona but
left for Rangers in 2002 after failing to make the grade.
His agent says there has not yet been contact from the champions
of Spain, but reportedly told newspaper El Mundo Deportivo that Arteta would
love to make the move.
Plan B: Barcelona are keen on Everton star
Arteta
The £12million-rated star has told David Moyes that he wants to
return home, but the Everton boss won't let him go cheap.
Arteta and his wife, Lorena, have been told their one-year-old
son Gabriel is partially sighted.
And now the couple plan to return to their homeland in order to
be closer to their families for the sake of their son.
The former Real Sociedad player is gaining admirers in Catalonia
because he is seen as a player whose defensive skills are more
developed than Fabregas.
His signing would not only be cheaper, but it may also negate
the need to replace Yaya Toure.
Barca technical staff see Arteta as someone who could stand in
for defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets - who is lacking cover
since Toure's departure to Manchester City - as well as playing in
the roles occupied by Iniesta and Xavi.