Cesc Fabregas has no plans of leaving Barcelona this season, with Manchester United and Manchester City set to be disappointed in their bid to bring back the former Arsenal skipper back to the English Premier League.
Some Arsenal fans would have read the widespread reports of one of their favorite players making a return to one of their rivals in dismay, but they can now breathe a sigh of relief after Spanish expert Guillem Balague confirmed Fabregas has no plans on leaving his hometown club this summer.
Reports in the British press had suggested Manchester United have made Fabregas their No.1 option, with Manchester City also reportedly interested in signing the Spain international.
However, a move always looked unlikely with Arsenal reportedly having first option on their former player, and Fabregas himself stating in the past that he could only see himself representing Arsenal in the Premier League. Barcelona are also reportedly obliged to give Arsenal 50 percent of any transfer fees for the player.
Balague said he talked to Barcelona, and the club do not intend to sell Fabregas, while the player himself is surprised by the exit rumors.
"He is surprised by the rumors that are so strong in England," he told Sky Sports. "The club has definitely told me this evening that they have got no intention whatsoever of selling him.
"His buyout clause, in case anybody is interested, is €200million (£171 million, $260 million), which is a little bit expensive. In any case it is a deterrent for people to come and try to poach him away.
"If anything was going to happen it would be in the future, maybe next year, who knows, but what seems certain is that both the club and himself have decided he will stay at Barcelona for at least one more season."
Arsene Wenger has said in the past that he expects Fabregas to return to his beloved Arsenal one day, and while the Gooners might have to wait a little longer for the midfielder's return, it does look like Fabregas has no intention of signing for either Manchester United or Manchester City.