Barcelona captain and defender Carles Puyol has told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he is treating midfielder Cesc Fabregas almost like a prisoner by not granting him his “dream move”.
Fabregas has been wanted by the La Liga champions the whole summer and has also previously told Wenger that he would like to leave the Gunners for a reunion with his boyhood club. However, the Frenchman has refused to contemplate any offers for his captain and it also emerged that Barcelona do not have sufficient funds to meet any valuation by the Gunners.
“He is having to stay at a club where he no longer wants to be for another year.” Puyol told the Sun.
“I wonder how intelligent it is keeping a player who doesn’t want to be there.
“After seven years of great service, I thought Arsenal could have granted him his dream move.”
Puyol did admit that Fabregas will likely play for the Gunners for another season, but it is clear that Barcelona are trying everything to ensure the next 12 months will be as difficult as possible between the Spanish midfielder and the club that nurtured him into a worldwide star.
Fabregas will be back for pre-season training with the Gunners next week, and sources close to the midfielder have claimed that the midfielder will meet Wenger once more to reiterate his desire to leave for Barcelona. Puyol claimed that it was time for Arsenal to release the player after failing to “match his expectations” of winning major silverware.
“Cesc has given everything to Arsenal to try to win a trophy but they haven’t matched his expectations.” Puyol added.
“I won’t say he is in a prison, as we know how privileged we are as football players.
“But after how clear Cesc made it that he wanted to be in Barcelona, I thought they would have granted him that.”
The Barcelona defender insisted again that Arsenal have lacked class in refusing to listen to and grant Fabregas’ wishes to leave.
“We all thought a deal would be done this summer.” the Barca captain repeated.
“But Arsenal have refused to talk and we are going to have to wait another year to get Cesc home.
“He is far too classy a guy to say it but the truth is he doesn’t want to be at Arsenal this season. His heart is already in Barcelona, even though we must wait another year for his body to be here.
“We know he is arriving next season. Barcelona have a whole year to sort the deal out.
“He is professional enough still to have a great season and also because he has a lot of respect for the Arsenal fans.
“But anybody who tries to convince themselves he wanted to stay at Arsenal is wrong.”
Fabregas may face a backlash from Arsenal supporters on his return to training as his boyhood pals continue to lambast the club he professes to love and respect, while Barca defender Gerard Pique continues to add on to the war of words between the two clubs.
“I know Cesc wants to win titles with Barca and I want him here this summer.” Pique added.
“I understand why Arsenal reject the sale. Cesc is a very difficult player to replace.
“But I do not feel a club should keep a footballer who wants to leave. Especially in this case, where Cesc has done everything for Arsenal.”
Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, English Premier League, Gerard Pique, La Liga, transfer news
