Tag Archives: Nasri

Nasri: Arsenal fans are not passionate

  By jtom | 25/08/2011 - 7:30 AM | Uncategorized
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Do not get too attached to him, City supporters.

Samir Nasri took parting shots at Arsenal supporters as he arrived at Manchester City. Nasri is poised to become one of the most hated Gunners ever.

Nasri completed his move on Wednesday when he showed up in Manchester. Arsenal sold the French midfielder for £24m to Manchester City.

Nasri told Manchester City’s official website: “I can see [Manchester City fans] are really passionate and it reminds me a little bit of Marseille.

“Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates. I remember when we played against City, when we lost 3-0, the crowd was amazing.

“That is what I want. When you play football it is for a good atmosphere.”

Samir Nasri never played at Highbury. In fact, he did not arrive in North London until 2008. Nasri is not qualified to judge Gooners after playing only three seasons with the club. He must still be angry at the chants from the Newcastle match. After the game, Nasri called Arsenal supporters “disrespectful.” That incident was followed up by a Facebook controversy.

Arsenal supporters hold grudges too, Samir. Expect the Gooners to be in full voice next time you visit the Emirates Stadium.

More from Nasri: “I was a little frustrated because I’d told the manager I wanted to leave and I wanted to do the whole pre-season with Manchester and get to know my team-mates. I was a bit frustrated but today is a big day for me. It’s a new start and I’m looking forward to it. Even the weather was nice when I arrived. I don’t see the difference from London and I am here to play football, to enjoy it and win the title.”

Nasri forgot to say that he really wanted a move to Manchester United, not City. He accepted the move to City simply because of the wages. Note to City fans: Expect Nasri to force his way to United after a few seasons.

Patrick Vieira convinced move to move to Manchester City, said Nasri:

“I spoke to Patrick Vieira about the move as it was important to get advice from players who played for the club know the club very well. Vieira said City is the place to be. It is the club of the future, they want to win everything. They have a big, big, big project.”

They have big, big, big money. Nasri will not admit it, but Emmanuel Frimpong knows that the Frenchman left for cash.

I am happy that this greedy player has finally left our club. He insulted our fans, and we can have no respect for him. Cesc Fabregas is grateful for his time at Arsenal, and he is not despised by the Gooners. Nasri is set to join Ashley Cole as another Gunner who left for money.

Samir Nasri will become one of the most hated footballers at the Emirates. Arsenal and Arsenal supporters will have to wait until April to get their revenge.

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Nasri sold to Manchester City

  By jtom | 24/08/2011 - 7:47 AM | Arsene Wenger, Transfer News
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Nasri will surely be hated among Gooners for his move to City.

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Samir Nasri. Arsene Wenger, Jack Wilshere, and Emmanuel Frimpong all reacted to the departure of the French midfielder.

According to The Telegraph, Manchester City will pay the Gunners £23 million for Nasri. The French midfielder will sign a five-year contract for £170,000 a week at the Eastlands. Arsenal were only willing to offer Nasri £90,000 per week. Expect Nasri to tell the press that he left the Emirates to win trophies.

Here is what Arsene Wenger had to say to Arsenal.com about the move: “I don’t question Samir Nasri’s commitment or professionalism. If I told him ‘you come with us and play’, he would have played like he did on Saturday but you wonder what kind of a commitment you can have.

“Football rules are made like that, that the player can be worth a lot of money today and nothing in six months so it doesn’t look completely logical but, at the end of the day, of course, we are forced into a decision like that for psychological and financial reasons.

“I am a realist so I have no illusions. It’s part of the modern life of a professional football player. It’s not that by coincidence that everybody suddenly lands at Man City.

“We did not want to lose Fabregas, but we were forced into a situation we didn’t want. Nasri is a situation where the player didn’t want to extend his contract with the proposals he had somewhere else. What kind of commitment can you have when the player is not there long-term? That is the question you have to answer.”

First, Wenger sticks by Nasri and compliments his “commitment” and “professionalism.” Then, he seems to say that Nasri did not have any commitment because he would not stay at Arsenal “long-term.”

Wenger also revealed that players are moving to Manchester City for the high wages. Of course, this is obvious. No one is moving to Manchester City to win trophies. If they win silverware, then that it a bonus, but they are just there to collect their chunk of the oil money.

Jack Wilshere, on Twitter, sent out a farewell to Nasri: “Good luck to my friend @Nanas08 (mr Nasri) learnt a lot from him. World class player! Will be missed!”

Emmanuel Frimpong replied on Twitter: “Pffffff comeon Jack.”

An earlier Frimpong Twitter message seemed to indirectly attack Nasri: “Money is the Roots of all Evil.”

Emmanuel Frimpong will become a fan favourite if he keeps this up. Earlier in the week, Frimpong and Piers Morgan got into a war of words over the Morgan’s constant moaning about Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. Despite his sending off in the Liverpool match, I am starting to really like this tenacious, outspoken defensive midfielder.

Back to Nasri. It is good that Wenger has finally sold Samir to Manchester City. Nasri made it clear that he did not want to sign a contract to stay at the Emirates. If a players does not want to play for Arsenal, then Gooners want him gone. Hopefully, Wenger can find a way to spend the Fabregas and Nasri cash before the end of the month.

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Nasri to sit out Arsenal-Udinese match

  By jtom | 23/08/2011 - 7:43 AM | Champions League, Transfer News
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Samir Nasri will miss Arsenal’s Champions League match against Udinese on Wednesday night. Nasri does not want to jeopardise a move to Manchester City.

Accoridng to The Guardian, Samir Nasri told Arsene Wenger that he didn’t want to play against Udinese, for it would disqualify the him from playing in the Champions League with Manchester City. Roberto Mancini said on Sunday that he may look elsewhere if Nasri is cup-tied.

Arsene Wenger had intended to bring Nasri to Italy and was not afraid to put him on the pitch. But Wenger has accepted Nasri demands, and a transfer to Manchester City looks closer than ever before.

Nasri has told friends that he does not mind staying at the Emirates, but he will not sign a new contract. Arsene Wenger was willing to keep Nasri and let him leave on a free transfer, but the Arsenal board are not ready to lose out on £20m-plus.

Arsenal need to just cut Nasri loose. He clearly does not have a future at Arsenal. Nasri’s discontent could become a dressing room virus that could spread to some of the other top players. If he does not want to play for Arsenal, Gooners do not want him at the Emirates.

And it is clear that Nasri does not want to play for the Gunners. He is poised to sit out this match after playing against Liverpool on Saturday. Arsene Wenger must realise that Nasri has no passion left for Arsenal if he is willing to miss a match so he can get a move to another club.

I, for one, just want to see this saga end as quickly as possible. Arsenal need to get that transfer fee of £20m-plus and reinvest in the squad quickly. The players we do have are dropping like flies due to injury and suspension. Get it over with. Sell Nasri and use the profits to improve the team.

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Mancini warns Arsenal about playing Nasri

  By jtom | 22/08/2011 - 6:10 AM | Arsene Wenger, Champions League, Transfer News
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Mancini expects to sign Nasri in the coming days.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini threatened to end the Samir Nasri talks with Arsenal. Arsene Wenger said that no club is close to signing Nasri. He also said that Manchester United still have interest in his French star.

Manchester City may turn away from Samir Nasri if the midfielder plays in Arsenal’s mid-week contest against Udinese. Roberto Mancini said it would present a hurdle in a potential deal: “If Nasri plays against Udinese, it could be possible [to pursue other targets], yes. I think we can close [the deal] in the next two days, but if he plays in the Champions League, it will be a big a problem. A big problem.

“It’s a big problem because we have followed Nasri for 40 days and I have hoped (it would be completed) in two days or in three days. I don’t know why we didn’t close it, but for Nasri, it will be important to play all the Champions League with us.”

Arsene Wenger said he would not hesistate to play Nasri in Italy. If the Frenchman plays, he would not be allowed to compete for Manchester City in the Champions League this season. Wenger said that his main goal is to qualify for the group stages of the competition.

Mancini continued talking about Nasri: “I am sure we can close this in 24 or 48 hours, but I don’t know why it hasn’t been closed.

“I hope that we can have Nasri in the next day, but I don’t know when it will happen. We still have 10 days, but we need some players if we want to complete our team and I hope he is not the last one in.”

There is a possibility that the Gunners could hold on to Nasri for now, then sell him in January. If City are trying to catch to United, or vice versa, Nasri’s price could raise dramatically. The 24-year old midfielder could also consider signing on at Arsenal long-term if Wenger keeps him until the winter.

While Mancini set an ultimatum, Wenger told French television (TF1) that no club is close to signing Samir Nasri:  ”Both Manchester clubs are interested. I’ve always wanted to keep hold of him. I think deep down he is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment.”

“Maybe one day, but it’s far, far, far from being done.”

All this talk about Nasri seems to be just negotiation tactics. But Wenger did say that Manchester United are still interested in Nasri, even after Ferguson said last month that they were no longer pursuing the Arsenal midfielder.

If United are back and bidding for Nasri, this whole transfer saga could turn a very big profit for the Gunners. City and United could get into a Manchester bidding war over Nasri. More money for Arsene to spend, if that means anything.

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Match Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool

  By jtom | 20/08/2011 - 6:30 AM | Match Preview, Premier League
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Nasri was named in the squad, and Wenger is not afraid to play him against Liverpool.

Arsenal will feature a fresh starting eleven against Liverpool, with many young players poised to make the best out of their opportunity. Arsene Wenger said that Samir Nasri is in the squad and may play a part for the Gunners on Saturday. Meanwhile, Liverpool will try to beat Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates.

Samir Nasri was picked in the squad to face Liverpool, and Wenger said he could play: “Nasri is in the squad tomorrow and is available to be picked.”

When asked if Wenger would hesitate to call on Nasri, Arsene replied: “Not at all, because one thing I don’t question is his commitment to this club. Every day since he has arrived here, every day in pre-season, he has worked with a fantastic spirit in training.”

Despite constant rumours, Nasri is expected to start for the Gunners in the first home Premier League match. It will be interesting to see how the supporters react to Samir after he recently refered some of them “disrespectful.” Nasri may be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

Arsene Wenger has included a number of young players in his squad. Carl Jenkinson and Emmanuel Frimpong are set start their first game for Arsenal.

Wenger on Frimpong: “Frimpong will be in contention when I pick my team tomorrow morning. I like him very much. He is a fighter, he is strong in the duels, has fantastic levels of commitment and he uses the ball well with his feet.”

Arsenal will be without Jack Wilshere (injury), Tomas Rosicky (injury), Johan Djourou (injury), Gervinho (suspension), Alex Song (suspension), and Abou Diaby (injury).

Ryo Miyaichi has been included in the team, but he will likely start on the bench. The 18-year old Japanese winger finally got his work permit sorted. Miyaichi’s skill and quickness impressed during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Liverpool have never won a match at the Emirates Stadium. In fact, the last time the Reds were victorious at Arsenal was back in 2000 at Highbury.

Liverpool feature many new players this season. Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, and Jose Enrique have all be added to Kenny Daiglish’s side. Liverpool have added tremendous depth to their midfield, but the players they have bought do not raise the quality of their side.

Sure, Liverpool have spent a lot of money buying up players from smaller clubs. But you can only put eleven on the pitch at once. Liverpool are not competing in Europe this season, and some players may be displeased with their lack of playing time.

Liverpool have yet to address their biggest concern, which is centre-half. Jamie Carragher is not getting any younger or faster, and many are questioning whether he can still be effective for a top Premier League club. Expect Theo Walcott to test Carragher’s fitness all day.

We can expect Liverpool to play the usual 4-4-2. Steven Gerrard will miss the match due to an injury. Right back Glen Johnson is also likely to sit out due to injury.

Kenny Dalglish knows that playing at Ashburton Grove will be a tough match, despite the constant Arsenal-bashing in the press:

“Arsenal will be a formidable force for us to play against. Whatever Arsene’s opinions are, he’s entitled to them. What other clubs do doesn’t affect us until we play them. They have lost Fabregas, look like they are losing Nasri and have a couple suspended. But it will still be a difficult game. Whoever goes on the pitch for them will play with the same principles. I’ve no doubts about how we will approach it. The players know they are going to a difficult place for a hard game.”

The Liverpool manager also said that, while he doesn’t have a “great relationship” with Wenger, he still believes Arsene has been “fantastic” for Arsenal.

The Arsenal defence will have to deal with Liverpool’s towering striker, Andy Carroll. The Gunners have had trouble defending tall strikers in the past, and Carroll scored against Arsenal last season when he was with Newcastle. Wenger said that his players will not be surprised by Carroll this time around:

“He scored a header where he got the best of Fabianski. Lukasz was a bit surprised by him but the surprise factor will not play any part tomorrow and we will play far from our goal this time.”

Arsene then reflected on Liverpool’s summer transfer dealings: “They have been hyperactive in the market. They have built a new team because Dalglish came in and changed everything. They bought many players.

“You can basically say it started in January – they have bought eight or nine players since so they will fight very hard to come back to the top four. That shows you it is not as easy as everybody thinks.”

With all the new signings, Dalglish will be under pressure to secure a Champions League spot for Liverpool. In this match at the Emirates, all the pressure will be on Wenger and Arsenal to produce a result.

 Time: 12:45 BST

Location: Emirates Stadium

Television: Sky Sports 1

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Transfer Rumours: Nasri, Zarate, Jagielka

  By jtom | 19/08/2011 - 6:58 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal and Manchester City have a transfer deal in place for Samir Nasri, but the Frenchman would rather be at Old Trafford. According to reports, Arsenal are interested in Lazio striker Mauro Zarate. Everton admit that they may have to sell star players, which could open the door for the Gunners.

According the The Guardian, Arsenal have an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Samir Nasri, but Nasri will not play for City against Bolton at the weekend. There are still a few details to sort out before the deal is complete.

Arsenal will reportedly sell Nasri for £22m. The French midfielder is expected to make £180,000 a week at Eastlands. The Gunners were only willing to give him £90,000 per week, and Nasri became frustrated with negotiations. Nasri is leaving the Emirates for money, and money only.

According to Daily Mirror, Samir Nasri is already looking to leave Eastlands. He has told friends that he would rather sign for Manchester United. Nasri will settle for Manchester City and their oil money.

Samir Nasri is the definition of a disloyal footballer. First, he leaves the Emirates for money. Now, he is talking about his love for Manchester United, before he has even joined Manchester City. He will join City, but he prefers United. I do not want “Nasrat” on my team.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, the agent for Lazio’s Mauro Zarate is in London holding talks with Arsenal. The 26-year old Argentinean striker would cost the Gunners around £10m. Zarate wants to leave Lazio after the recent influx of forwards.

Zarate has spent time in the Premier League. He went on a loan spell with Birmingham City, and scored 4 goals in 14 matches. Last season, Zarate netted 9 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances in Serie A.

Most Arsenal fans will not be elated if Wenger goes for Zarate. The Lazio striker does not have a great goal-scoring record, with 25 goals in 103 apearances for the Italian club.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright hinted that the club may have to sell players because of their finacial situation. Here is what he told The Sun: “We knew this summer we were going to get to a point where things were going to be very, very tight and we knew we had to trade.

“There has not been a lot of trading in football itself this summer and we have not been able to trade yet and that is the reason we have not brought in a new player.

“The world is in a recession and I don’t know any business that is not suffering at the moment. I include football in that, apart from the financial elite in the game.”

Everton is under pressure to sell star players Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines. They could be sending a signal to Arsene Wenger that they are open for negotiations. Jagielka has been linked with Arsenal quite frequently this summer, while Baines has not been in the Gunner rumours too often.

With the injury to Kieran Gibbs (and his history of injuries), Baines would be a great addition to our backline. Arsene Wenger needs to sure up the back four with the Nasri and Fabregas money. Everton could be looking for buyers, while the Gunners are in desperate need of defending.

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Transfer Rumours: Nasri, Mata, Valbuena

  By jtom | 18/08/2011 - 7:49 AM | Transfer News
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Manchester City are set to sign Samir Nasri. Chelsea are now in the chase for Arsenal target Juan Mata. Marseille say they are open to Mathieu Valbuena talks with Arsenal.

According to BBC and other sources, Manchester City are very close to signing Samir Nasri. Reports say that a deal could become official in the next 24 hours. Sources say that the deal would be worth £25m.

Manchester City will have to pay a high price for the Arsenal star. Nasri has had only one great season in England, and he looks to cash in on that success. City are willing the pay Nasri a much higher wage, and Arsenal must use the transfer fee to strengthen their team before the end of the month.

Nasri called Arsenal fans “disrespectful,” before causing a social media controversy. Needless to say, we, Gooners, will be happy to see this cash pig leave the Emirates and drink the oil leaking out of Manchester.

According to The Guardian and other sources, Chelsea have joined the hunt for Valencia winger Juan Mata. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are rumoured to be after the 23-year old Spainish star.

According to Daily Mail, Chelsea had a £22m bid rejected by Valencia. Valencia may be determined to hang on to their star. Or maybe Chelsea will just have to hand over a few million more.

The time is running out on Arsene Wenger. If he sells Nasri, he needs enough time to sign a replacement. With Chelsea chasing Mata, Wenger’s options may be running thin.

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo is willing to discuss midfielder Mathieu Valbuena with Arsenal: “It’s been six years since Mathieu Valbuena joined the club. If Arsenal wants to buy him, the discussion can be opened.”

Valbuena is a versatile player who can play as a centre attacking midfielder or on the wing. The 26-year Frenchman is not a goal-scorer, with only 20 in 175 appearances for Marseille. But Valbuena has scored 2 goals in 8 caps for France.

The Gunners were also rumoured to have interest in Andre Ayew, but Anigo said those negotiations will not happen:

“Andre Ayew is not for sale. There is certainly a clause [in his contract] but the clause has a time limit which has expired. If you want to buy, you pay a different price than that set at the start. Andre Ayew has a long way to go for us. ”

Marseille could shove Valbuena in Arsenal’s face to attempt to sway the Gunners away from Ayew. The 21-year old winger Ayew had 13 goals in all competitions. Interstingly, he is the son of African football legend Abedi Pele.

Marseille are just like Arsenal. They do not want to lose young players. They would rather have Wenger sign Valbuena and hold onto Ayew for a few more years. And we know that Wenger will not overpay for Ayew.

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Nasri assures Arsenal fans that he will leave, later denies

  By jtom | 17/08/2011 - 7:52 AM | Transfer News
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Sort it out Samir!

Samir Nasri said he will leave Arsenal very soon with ”bitterness” and “anger” on his Facebook account. Then, Nasri, on his Twitter, said that he never made the comments.

The French midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City. Nasri has not yet played in any of Arsenal’s two games this season.

Here is what Nasri said on his Facebook account: “I’ve been very disappointed by the supporters last weekend. I am still an Arsenal player but I will certainly leave very soon. It’s nearly done.

“But I will leave with bitterness and anger in my heart. I am proud for having played with the Gunners during the past three years. Thank you all for your messages and support.”

Nasri later said on Twitter: “Just to make things clear i dont have a facebook so i never said i was leaving with bitterness the guy who said that use a fake account.” [sic]

How does anyone really know what social media account is real? Instead of clearing things up, Nasri just made it confusing. The press is already running with this story, so the fan reaction will become more and more negative towards Nasri.

How do we know his Twitter is not fake? How do we even know Nasri exists anymore if he never steps foot on the pitch?

This will be a terrible break-up when the deal finally goes through. Samir Nasri has set himself up for a career full of hate from North London, and he deserves it.

Nasri, from his “official” Twitter account, called Arsenal fans “disrespectful” after the Newcastle match. Nasri is going to Manchester City to get their oil money, and no Gooner will respect that.

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Nasri: Arsenal fans are “disrespectful”

  By jtom | 16/08/2011 - 7:45 AM | Transfer News
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Samir Nasri called Arsenal supporters “disrespectful” after their behavior at the Newcastle match. Nasri’s comments on Twitter were meant with criticism from Arsenal Supporters’ Trust.

Nasri has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City. The French midfielder has reportedly refused to negotiate a new contract at the Emirates.

Here is what Nasri said on Twitter: “I heard what the fans were singing about me on saturday and it is really disrespectful because i’m still a  arsenal player.” [sic]

Tom Payton from the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust responded to Nasri’s comments in The Sun: “Nasri’s tweets are inappropriate.

“As Wenger has said, only players committed to Arsenal should play for the team.

“As he clearly isn’t committed, he needs to leave. Arsenal are bigger than any one player.”

Payton is right. If Nasri had actually played for Arsenal in the Newcastle match, Gooners would not be tough on him. He clearly wants to go to Manchester City for higher wages, and no Arsenal supporter is going to respect him for that.

Nasri should have dismissed rumours on his Twitter account, not gone after the supporters. If Nasri promised to stay with the Gunners, then his critics would go quiet. But he knows that a move to City is close, and he does not want to ruin his big money move now.

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Transfer Rumours: Tevez, Nasri, Cesc

  By jtom | 13/08/2011 - 7:31 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal could pull off the shock of the summer by swapping Samir Nasri for Carlos Tevez . Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola put the brakes on a Cesc Fabregas arrival on Friday.

According to The Sun, Arsene Wenger wants Manchester City to include Carlos Tevez in a deal for Samir Nasri. Arsenal would have to send Nasri plus cash to Man City for the disgruntled Argentina striker. This move could provide a major boost for panicking Arsenal supporters.

According to the report, Arsenal want to send Nasri and around £15m for Tevez, who is valued at £50m. Wenger thinks he can convince Mancini to offload the striker, who has been wanting out of Manchester.

Here is what a so-called ”Arsenal insider” told The Sun:  ”Tevez would be just the signing to give everyone a lift. There is a lot of work to be done yet but if there is a will on all sides it can happen.

“Nasri wants to get to City, Tevez wants to get out and Wenger needs a new star to get everyone off his back.

“It seems like win-win all round.”

If this surprising deal goes through, Arsenal may prove the critics wrong. Tevez is a real temperamental player, but he is without a doubt one of the best players in England. Pairing up Tevez and Van Persie would translate into some kind of video game-like fantasy.

According to The Sun, Arsenal will offer Tevez £200,000 per week in wages. This not believable, being as the Gunners were hesitant to offer Samir Nasri a little more than half of that.

According to The Telegraph, Pep Guardiola held up the Cesc Fabregas transfer by calling Cesc on his way to the airport. The Arsenal captain was ready to board a plane to Barcelona yesterday before he received a call from Pep Guardiola. The Barcelona manager wants Cesc to stay in London until after Barcelona’s match on Saturday against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Guardiola is worried that the arrival of Fabregas will distract his players away from the first El Clasico match of the season. Barcelona are expected to welcome Cesc home at the start of the week.

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