Barcelona planning 40m pound swoop for Fabregas

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly planning to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas in a £40 million deal next summer.

"Cesc Fabregas is desired by us for many reasons. Barcelona has decided to fight for the kid for next season. The money will be decided at the end of March to prepare the way for a deal," The Sun quoted Laporta, as saying.

"Cesc is such a big player. Our intention is to convince the Londoners about the sale. It won''t be easy, but we have good relations with the Gunners," he added.

According to reports, the Champions League kings aim to tempt Arsenal with a £40 million cash bid by raising money from sponsors, and if that fails, an alternative plan is to offer midfielder Yaya Toure over £30 million.

Fabregas had started his career as a trainee with Barcelona in 1997, but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16.

Following injuries to key midfielders in the 2004–05 season, he established himself as Arsenal's sterling central midfielder and playmaker, and went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as one of the best young players for his position of his generation.