Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is struggling to convince Cesc Fabregas to stay.

The News of the World says Wenger tugged at Fabregas' heart-strings in an emotionally-charged phone call on Friday but the midfielder is unmoved.

Wenger is a reluctant seller but asked Fabregas to act in a dignified manner as negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona begin.

The Catalans claim they have just £30million left in their summer transfer kitty but the Gunners are demanding nearly double that.

Fabregas agreed to hold the peace during talks between the two clubs and will continue to keep his cool during tense negotiations.