Barcelona president Joan Laporta refuses to back down on his claims that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas should return to the Nou Camp. Speaking last week, he proffered an apology of sorts, but not one to reassure the Arsenal hierarchy.

"I apologise if I bothered Mr Wenger, because I respect him very highly and the job he is doing," said Laporta. "But he knows perfectly that the case of Cesc Fabregas is special. He is a Catalan player from our youth team and it is not a secret that we love this player."

Indeed, it is not a secret but Laporta's open wooing of the player now resembles the long dance which saw Cristiano Ronaldo end up in the arms of Real Madrid.

Laporta intends to dignify the pursuit with a degree of honour.

"We know that he is one of the flagships of Arsenal and we respect Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal and, of course, Arsene Wenger," added Laporta. "I don't want to bother Mr Wenger because I respect his job very much."