Barcelona maintain they will be "respectful" in their pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Yesterday, sports director Txiki Begiristain confirmed they had approached Arsenal about opening negotiations for the midfielder.

Begiristain told the club's website: "The player has shown his will to come to Barca, but we will not do anything until Arsenal want to negotiate.

"We have the will of the player to come to Barcelona, but what we won't do is start to negotiate without Arsenal until an agreement is reached.

"Cesc has a contract with his club and we will be very respectful."

Begiristain is quoted on Marca's website as saying Barca are awaiting a response from Arsenal.

"As he has the will to return, we contacted Arsenal to ask them if they are ready to negotiate. We are waiting for an answer."