‘I am happy at Arsenal,’ Fabregas tells Barcelona

Tuesday March 9 was a red-letter day for Arsenal in more ways than one. Not only did the Gunners demolish Porto 5-0 to book their place in the last eight of the Champions League, but club captain Cesc Fabregas used an interview with Spanish TV station TVE to send a clear message to Barcelona and any other club under the impression he's thinking of leaving the Emirates – think again!

The injured Arsenal skipper, who watched his side annihilate Porto from the sidelines, made it clear in the interview that a man's honour is not for sale. "I am very united to the club and to the supporters," said Fabregas. "My role as captain has increased my commitment to Arsenal and I am happy there."

Fabregas went on to pay tribute to Arsenal's unique team spirit, saying: "I have been at Arsenal for many years but I don't see myself as the only leader. We are together as a team and I rely on my team mates to help me be successful. I am no more important than my team mates."

Yet despite Fabregas's pledge of loyalty, rumours are circulating in sections of the Italian press that Juventus are lining up a bid for the 22-year-old Arsenal legend. According to Tuttosport, Italian super agent Claudio Pasqualin is advising Juventus to make a move for the inspirational Gunner.  "I would say a dictator in the midfield is essential and such a player would correspond to Fabregas: young, but already an expert," Pasqualin told Tuttosport, adding : "Of course, buying Fabregas will not be easy, but there is no doubt the Spaniard is worth a try."

Arsenal are also thought to be preparing another bid for Saint Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who they came close to signing in the summer.

The Gunners may make a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman at the end of this season and are thought to be prepared to pay €6m for the player.

Arsenel Wenger may face competition from Sevilla though. The Spanish club are reportedly watching both Matuidi and his team-mate Mouhamadou Dabo, a French right-back who has also caught they eye of Arsenal's scout Gilles Grimandi.

Could Emmanuel Adebayor be heading towards the Eastlands' exit? The Togo international joined Manchester City in the summer from Arsenal but rumours have been circulating recently "linking the striker with AC Milan". The 26-year-old, who hasn't been the force up north that he was with the  Gunners, is making all the right noises in public about his continued loyalty to Citizens, telling Sky Sports; "I signed at City for five years... For me, I am a Manchester City player and I hope to be for a long time."

However, that wasn't all  Adebayor had to say on the subject. Asked he was enjoying life at Eastlands, his reply was ambiguous: "I am very happy here so far, but you never know."

The Daily Mirror seems to know something the other papers don't, namely that Manchester City are "tracking Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico". The paper says the club sees the centre-half as providing cover for Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott and City's scouts have been keeping a beady eye on the 21-year-old Carrico, who has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Valencia.

Spurs boss' Harry Redknapp (a spectator at the Emirates last night), has been left "stunned" by the news that Wilson Palacios sees his spell at Tottenham as nothing more than stepping stone towards bigger clubs. According to the Sun, the Honduran midfielder, who moved to White Hart Lane from Wigan at the start of 2009, sees himself before long as a Galactico. "I am really happy at Tottenham but I will continue working for a future move to a bigger club. I would like to play for Real Madrid, proclaimed the 25-year-old, adding: "Today, many people respect me in England." But perhaps not at Tottenham when he turns up for training today.

Finally, several papers report that Chelsea have reopened negotiations with Nicolas Anelka. The 30-year-old, better known to English football fans as the "Incredible Sulk", is contracted to the Blues until the end of the 2011 season, but Chelsea would like to tie him down until 2013. The Daily Mail says that talks "stalled last month" when the Frenchman asked for a £40,000-a-week pay increase, taking his weekly wage to £120,000, but now it seems Chelsea are prepared to meet the player's demands after boss Carlo Ancelotti expressed his wish to have Anelka for seasons to come: "Anelka is a top player and this club needs to have a lot of top players. I'm confident he'll stay with us. The club will try to find the right solution for both Chelsea and for him." ·