Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has told fans they can count on skipper Cesc Fabregas, despite constant transfer speculation back in Spain. The 21-year-old has again seen his name touted by presidential hopefuls at boyhood club Barcelona.

Almunia admits such goings-on in his homeland are bizarre.

He said: "The presidents and people at clubs talk too much. They are in the press much more than they should be.

"In England, I have never seen the directors in the press and so it is strange for me."

Almunia knows Fabregas' importance at Emirates Stadium.

He said: "Nobody has any doubt that Cesc gives everything to the game. He makes tackles and fights - this is the only thing that the people can expect from him."

Almunia added: "For the supporters, Cesc is a symbol of the club. For the people, he is the best.

"I have no doubts that he loves the club and Arsenal in general.

"If he has to go, and I don't know anything, he will be very sad."