Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has told friends he expects to join Barcelona this summer, it has been revealed.

El Mundo Deportivo says Fabregas "has told friends and family that he has come to a four-year agreement with Barcelona and hopes to leave Arsenal before the World Cup.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is aware of his captain's desire to rejoin his former club and will not stand in his way, provided the clubs can agree a transfer fee.

A bid of €40m would be enough to tempt the Gunners into doing business, or perhaps a player-plus-cash deal involving Yaya Toure.