They still aren’t.
Manager Arsene Wenger recently reaffirmed this standpoint.
“We need Fabregas,” he said. “Believe me. He is a special player. He is exceptional and we want to keep them all.”
During the summer controversy, Fabregas fueled the trade rumors with a simple wish to head back to his former club.
“I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing.”
Barcelona bid £29 million for his return, but Fabregas’ desires were lost in a battle over millions.
Despite Wenger’s latest comments, Barca forward Lionel Messi is confident that Fabregas will return to the club where he started his professional career.
“In the end Cesc will do what he wants and what the people at Barca want. It doesn’t depend on us, but I think his inclination is to be at Barcelona because there is nowhere he will be better off than here.
“Cesc has a place for Arsenal in his heart, but he has Barcelona in his blood.”
Fabregas began as a trainee with Barcelona, but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16.
Though Messi is hopeful that he’ll be able to play beside his friend again, he understands how essential Fabregas is to the Arsenal organization.
“Cesc Fabregas is a key player for Arsenal and I really want to play with him at Barcelona but that doesn’t depend on me.
“It’s clear he is vital for them. Their play depends so much on him — they are constantly giving him the ball.”
Arsenal hasn’t wavered in their statements that they will not accept any price for their prized midfielder, and it isn’t clear whether or not the Spanish champions are interested in pursuing Fabregas at the moment.
23-year-old Fabregas led the Gunners to a 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday.
