Barcelona are set to up the ante in their pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. The Catalan giants are targeting the Spaniard after the likelihood of missing out on Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery became a reality.

It is believed that the Gunners will be swayed by an offer of around £40 million and Barca are keen to edge out Spanish rivals Real Madrid for his services.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has openly spoke of his desire to have Fabregas at the Nou Camp and said he was definitely a target.

"Signing Cesc this summer is not a solution we have discarded," Laporta said.