Cesc: I want cups before I leave Arsenal
ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas has snubbed fresh interest from Spain by insisting his immediate priority is to bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both preparing huge summer bids for the midfielder, with the former reported to be willing to offer midfielder Yaya Toure and striker Bojan Krkic plus cash.
But while Fabregas yesterday refused to divulge his long-term plans, the 22-year-old made clear his current ambition is to end the Gunners’ five-year wait for a trophy.
“At Arsenal I am developing a good season and my dream is to win titles there,” said Fabregas. “Still, I don’t think about my future. I’m focused on the short term and don’t look beyond that. I have a great responsibility to my club and now is not the time to think beyond that.”
Six years’ service in a foreign country and the lack of honours have contributed to a growing feeling this might the Catalan’s last season at a club he joined as a teenager.
Barca in particular have been vociferous in their courtship, although Fabregas’ desire to stay will cheer manager Arsene Wenger, who has been rocked by a six-week injury to striker Robin van Persie.
Eduardo da Silva is set to take his place as the central forward in a 4-3-3 formation, although the Croatian is also happy to play in wide positions.
“The boss knows our qualities and how they can fit into a formation,” said Eduardo. “For me it is fine to play on the left or the right, no problem.”
Wenger, meanwhile, has revealed Denilson, not Samir Nasri, will take Alex Song’s place in midfield during next year’s African Cup of Nations.