No deal in place for Fabregas say Barcelona

Wednesday 27 October 2010 06:39 EDT
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Fabregas came close to joining Barcelona this summer
Fabregas came close to joining Barcelona this summer (GETTY IMAGES)

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Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has confirmed no deal is in place that will see long-time target Cesc Fabregas join the Catalan giants from Arsenal.

The La Liga champions chased the Spain World Cup winner during the summer, but Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has so far refused to part with his captain and talisman.

Although media reports suggest that a deal was struck for the midfielder to join next summer, Zubizaretta has admitted no talks with Wenger have been carried out.

"I have not spoken to Wenger about a guarantee for the transfer next season," Zubizaretta said.

"Cesc is a very good footballer, but now I do not say if he enters into our plans for the next season.

"We will value the player, and we will decide. We will plan, and see if Cesc falls into that plan or not."

The former Barcelona goalkeeper has also insisted there will be no new additions making their way to Camp Nou in January's transfer window.

He believes manager Josep Guardiola is more than happy with the squad this term.

He added: "We have a squad that has done well, and it is the squad that we wanted.

"It gives us many options, it is diverse, with players who give us much. We will not look for anyone in January. If there are no exceptional circumstances, we will make no signing in the winter market."

Meanwhile, Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes is hoping to fulfil a childhood dream and land the Champions League title at Wembley this season.

As a youngster, Valdes watched on in awe as the Catalan giants grabbed the honours in 1992 at London's premier stadium and he wants to play his part as the current crop look to emulate the club's past masters.

A fine free-kick from Dutch legend Ronald Koeman was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria and the shot-stopper wants to add more silverware to his cabinet this term.

"My big dream is to win the Champions League final at Wembley," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"I still have a picture of the goal Koeman scored in Barca's first final there. I am very pleased with my career but I still want more.

"I have improved my standard over the years but it is still necessary to perfect any physical aspect of my game.

"I want to stay with Barca until the end of my career because this club has offered me so much and confidence is key in football. I may retire when I'm 35 or 36, but for me, Wembley is a symbol from when I was a boy.

"It's a big stadium and the scene of our first Champions League triumph. Just like any fan, it is a major point in my childhood."

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