Arsenal face new bid for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is rapidly becoming the hottest property in European football, as the free-spending moneybags of Manchester City join the chase for the player. They will be vying with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for the 22-year-old's signature, according to an article in the Spanish newspaper AS.

Although City's manager Mark Hughes would be able to match any offer that either of the Spanish clubs make to Fabregas, it is unlikely that the midfielder would countenance a move to another Premier League club. He joined Arsenal when he was just 16, and holds a great affection and respect for the club, where he took over the number four shirt from the legendary Patrick Vieira.

After setting up four goals and scoring one in the Gunners' recent 6-2 trouncing of Blackburn, Fabregas told the Sun: "There's always speculation I don't like it here but I am committed to this club 100 per cent. It's my seventh season here and it's hard to hear people say they think I'm not committed enough. It was a good time to show them I really love this club."

However, Barcelona will feel that they could prise the Spanish international away from north London. Fabregas was on the books at the Catalan club from the age of 13, and has spoken of his love for the club he has supported since childhood.

Indeed, his intense feelings for Barca probably invalidate a move to Real Madrid, however many euros Florentino Perez wafts in the direction of the Emirates.

Barcelona's sporting director Txiki Beguiristain said this week: "Cesc is a player who has the Barca profile. He was born suckling upon the teat of the football [we play] here. One day he will end up playing at the Camp Nou. I am sure of it."

Arsene Wenger is certain to have a say in when this prediction will come true, if ever.

One player who won't be returning to his former club is Vieira, who now plays for Italian champions Inter Milan. There had been speculation, encouraged by Wenger himself, that the French midfielder could return to the north Londoners in the next transfer window.

But Vieira has now told the Italian newspaper Tuttosport: "I want to respect my deal at Inter. So in January nothing will happen. I'll leave Inter in June, but I have not decided yet, should I be playing in the Premier League or in Ligue 1." ·