Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is at the centre of a power struggle at Barcelona.

The Daily Mail says Pep Guardiola, the boss of the European champions, has made Fabregas his No 1 transfer target, but a £40million price-tag is at least £10m more than they want to pay.

However, president Joan Laporta is aware that the man who wants his job will pledge to take Fabregas as part of his election bid next summer.

Sandro Rosell quit as Laporta's vice-president four years ago and has since been outspoken in his criticism of the club's hierarchy.

The 45-year-old was against a 16-year-old Fabregas's departure to Arsenal in September 2003.

Rosell has already signalled his intention to unseat Laporta next year and is said to already have a verbal agreement with Fabregas and his representatives.

The president can wound his rival's bid by moving for the Spain midfielder this summer but Nou Camp insiders believe it will be very difficult to complete a deal.