Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has warned Barcelona off Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas, who is with the Spain squad in South Africa, let Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger know over a fortnight ago he wanted to quit the club he joined aged 15 from the Barcelona youth ranks.

It is understood he has been shocked at how adamant the club have been about not wanting him to go. It could be that against the odds, Wenger may be able to persuade Fabregas to stay one more season.

Last night Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "We have been consistent in stating that Cesc is not for sale. We rejected Barcelona's bid and would rather they did not make another one."