Barcelona's aggressive pursuit of Manchester City winger Robinho is being seen as their waving of the white flag over a bid for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Daily Mail says it is thought the move for Robinho could be a sign that Barca are growing less confident about luring Fabregas. Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola has concerns about weakness down his left side and had considered switching Andres Iniesta to the flank to accommodate Fabregas and Xavi in a new central partnership.

However, incorporating Robinho would leave little room to use Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas.