Arsene Wenger has again claimed that Cesc Fàbregas has decided to stay at Barcelona for at least another season, despite the interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are understood to have tabled at least two bids for the former Arsenal captain in recent weeks as new boss David Moyes looks to bolster his midfield options.
United are reported to be weighing up a third offer for the 26-year-old playmaker, despite Barcelona’s insistence that he is not for sale.
But Wenger, whose Arsenal side have a first-refusal clause in the Spain international’s contract, insists that the midfielder has opted to stay at Camp Nou, despite new Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino’s recent admission that Fàbregas could have the final say on his future.
Wenger said: “I haven’t heard that comment at all and I haven’t read it, so I’m always a bit cautious to answer [about] what a manager is supposed to have said. I don’t know.
“What I know is that Fàbregas will stay one more year at least with Barcelona. That’s the information I have.
“If that changes, I don’t know. That’s what I’ve been told.”
Speaking on Saturday, Barcelona coach Martino said: “I’ve talked to him, I’ve explained my ideas. He’s one of the best in the squad, but there’s also a part that he has to decide.”
Fàbregas sealed a £35m move to Barcelona from Arsenal in August 2011 after spending eight seasons at the north London club.