The Spanish newspaper Sport said that Arsenal executives were anticipating new contact between the clubs when Sandor Rossel takes over as new Barcelona president on July 1, and that the Gunners were expecting a new and improved offer for the 23-year-old.

The paper also quoted Barcelona director-general Joan Oliver as saying that "Arsenal have only told us that in principle they are not interested in the deal."

Arsenal rejected an initial £30 bid for the player, and Oliver said that once a new offer is made "everyone will be watching Arsenal's reaction."

"He's a player with an existing contract with another club, but he has publicly expressed interest in leaving," continued Oliver. "The key is that Arsenal modify its current stance, which is not to sell the player."

Earlier this week, outgoing Barcelona President Joan Laporta expressed optimism regarding the signing of Fabregas, maintaining that the Gunners "will eventually give in" and sell the player.

Fabregas has declared his desire to play for Barcelona, but Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that his captian is staying put, and has denied that the two have even discussed the player's future.

Fabregas has a contract with the Gunners until 2015.

April 2010 News