Saturday 23 July 2011

Fabregas Misses Arsenal Germany Trip


Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has not been included on the club's training tour of Germany as speculation about his future continues to grow.

Fabregas, 24, has been linked with a move to Barcelona, who bid £27m for the Spain international midfielder in June.

Arsenal say Fabregas has been left behind because of the hamstring problem that also saw him miss the Asia tour.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia were also absent amid reports of impending moves.

However, new signing Gervinho did make the trip as did contract rebel Samir Nasri.

Earlier this week European champions Barcelona said they would "fight" to sign Fabregas.

A delegation from Barcelona, led by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, is said to have been in London determined to push through a deal to bring Fabregas back to the Nou Camp, although Arsenal remain steadfast in their £40m valuation.

As long as the situation is not settled, we have to focus on the coming season with the players we have. The players who are uncertain, it is difficult for them to focus on being completely committedArsene Wenger

"The position at the moment [with Fabregas] is a 'no comment' situation because there is no movement at all," Gunners manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

Wenger has always spoken publicly of his desire to keep his captain, as he has of Nasri. The France international has yet to pen a new deal, sparking more speculation he could also leave in a £20m move to title rivals Manchester City.

"[It is] not completely [sorted that Samir will stay], but I want him to stay. He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks," Wenger added.

"Almunia has been contacted by a few clubs, Bendtner as well. As long as the situation is not settled, we have to focus on the coming season with the players we have.

"The players who are uncertain, it is difficult for them to focus on being completely committed."

After facing Cologne at the Rhein Energie Stadion on Saturday, Arsenal will remain in Germany as they continue preparations for the Emirates Cup on 30-31 July.


No comments: