Cesc Fabregas not on Real Madrid's wishlist

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is not one of Real Madrid's transfer targets this summer, according to the club's sporting director Miguel Pardeza.

Fabregas had been touted as a potential target for Real if they fail in their bid to persuade Liverpool to part with Xabi Alonso.

Madrid have long been linked with Fabregas, as have the Spain international's former club Barcelona, but Pardeza is adamant the 22-year-old is not on their radar.

"He is a great player, there's no doubt about that. But at this moment he is not a target for Real Madrid. The club are working on other alternatives," he said.

Pardeza also confirmed they had come up against brick wall regarding Alonso, but insisted that did not necessarily mean their hopes of bringing the Euro 2008 winner to the Bernabeu were now over.

"Madrid must not discard an option until it's totally gone. Now there is an insurmountable financial barrier, but it's something that could change. We're looking for alternatives, although there aren't many."

Madrid have already spent close to £200million on four new signings - Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol - this summer but are still looking to add a couple more players as they seek a return to winning ways after ending last season empty-handed.

Two of those new arrivals, Ronaldo and Benzema, were part of the Madrid squad that started pre-season training today.

However, the club's other two big summer signings to date, Kaka and Albiol, along with Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Javi Garcia and Dani Parejo were all absent as they are still holidaying due to their international commitments this summer.

Arsenal place £40m price tag on Cesc Fabregas to warn off Barca and Real Madrid

Arsenal have moved to discourage Barcelona and Real Madrid from making an approach for midfielder Cesc Fabregas by placing a £40 million price tag on the Spaniard’s head.

Manager Arsene Wenger is eager to generate funds to carry out squad improvements at the Emirates Stadium.

Though he would be very reluctant to see Fabregas leave, sources inside the club told the Sun that a figure of that amount would necessarily put pressure on Wenger to sell.

Fabregas remains one of Wenger’s stand out performers and at 22 has much more to offer in his career.

However, it will not have escaped the Arsenal hierarchy’s notice that when he was out injured last season the club went on a terrific 22 match unbeaten run.

Real and Barcelona, where Fabregas played as a youth team player, have both signalled their intentions to bid for the Spain international, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta last week saying as much as he encouraged Fabregas to speak out in favour of a return to the Catalan club.

“Cesc has Barcelona in his DNA and I think one day he should play for Barca.

“We all like him very much – the technical director, the manager, as well as me. He’s always been in our thoughts.”

Fabregas, too, has been vocal within the last week over his displeasure at Arsenal’s recent record.

”The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most,” he said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo said he’s leaving Manchester united because he had nothing else to win.

“For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence.”

Barcelona again come calling for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas has been linked with a move back to Spain for the last couple of years but has always pledged his loyalty to Wenger.

However, a lack of silverware at the Emirates has seen the Spanish international grow increasingly frustrated and he recently criticised Arsenal's "impotence" in challenging for titles.

Real Madrid and Barca have been monitoring Fabregas' situation with interest, although both have baulked at the £40 million asking price.

Nevertheless, the Catalans, who Fabregas left to join Arsenal in 2003 as a 16-year-old, have not given up hope of unveiling the 22-year-old as a Barcelona player within the next couple of years.

Laporta told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: “Cesc Fabregas has the Barcelona DNA in his body and we know that he wants to play for this club.

"At the moment he is the leader at Arsenal and a very important player for them. But Cesc is wanted by me, by the coach Pep Guardiola and by the sport director Txiki Begiristain.

“We are concentrating all of our efforts on it, but at the same time we have a lot of respect for Arsenal. We have positive relations with Arsenal so it will not be an easy topic to talk to them about.”

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas defiant over Michael Ballack 'spit' video

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has defiantly protested his innocence against claims of spitting, despite internet footage of a 2005 incident with Michael Ballack.

In the above clip, Fabregas clashes with Ballack – then with Bayern Munich – during a Champions League tie at Highbury. At close range, Fabregas confronts Ballack, who then appears to wipe something away from his face.

This YouTube video was quickly circulated in the aftermath of Tuesday’s controversial FA Cup clash at the Emirates, when Fabregas was accused of spitting at Brian Horton, Hull’s assistant manager.

But Fabregas said: “I’ve absolutely nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. The simple fact is I did not spit at the assistant manager of Hull City.”

Speaking about the Ballack clip, Fabregas said: “I remember the incident clearly. It was four years ago and I leant over and shouted at him. I did not spit at him.”

Fabregas will now have to answer to the FA after Horton contacted the League Managers’ Association to file an official complaint.

He said: “I will leave it in the FA’s hands for the time being — I will wait to see what they say.”

Fabregas added that he was baffled by the way the whole drama has played out: “It was not until half an hour after the game that I heard what Hull were saying about me and it is not something that is easy to accept.

“I understand Hull are angry and frustrated about going out of the FA Cup.

“But I don’t know why they are saying these things about me because it did not happen. That is the truth.

“I don’t even know who the assistant manager of Hull is or what he looks like.

“I am told Hull will be making an official complaint to the FA about me.

“Well, I am perfectly relaxed about that. I have nothing to hide. Not one drop of spit left my mouth. I am certain of that.” (telegraph)

Cesc Fabregas says Arsenal must win at Chelsea to stay in Premier League title race

"All the teams in the Premier League know they have to defend a lot," said Fabregas. "They are pressuring us all the time and it looks like all week they just train on defending."

Arsenal are fifth, 10 points adrift of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table, and the club's new captain says that victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday is also now necessary to get back into the title race. "We want to get back into the title race so we have to win," said Fabregas.

"Let's stay relaxed and play our football and I am sure we will be OK if we do what we do. We respect Chelsea but we go with confidence. Our target is to go to Chelsea and win. Arsenal never go anywhere for a draw."

As an Arsenal captain, Fabregas hopes to emulate some of Tony Adams' success and has already set a target of winning at least one trophy this season.

"From what people say he [Adams] was amazing. I want to be my own player and my own person. But hopefully one day I can achieve some of the things he achieved."

After qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League with their 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday, there is a realisation that their attacking approach could be more effective against European competition.

"Europe is a different game to the Premier League," said Fabregas. "The Champions League is different, teams try to play a bit more, try to come out a bit more. Maybe it's true that Europe suits us a little bit more but if you want to win something you have to be able to play against anybody. We have to play as a team and when we play good, quick passing, we can play against anybody."

After the drama of the past week, Fabregas hopes that the victory over Kiev can represent a turning point in an unpredictable season that has seen Arsenal already lose five of their 14 Premier League matches.

"After what I saw we are back on track," he said. "It was a win, we kept a clean sheet, we created chances, we had a lot of injuries and we responded well. We showed we were united.

"At the end of the season, we will see what we can achieve but at the moment we are in every competition," he said. "People can say whatever they want about the title race but we have only played 14 games.

"Whatever has happened with William [Gallas] is in the past. William has been superb for us. He showed he is a great professional. I have learnt a lot from him and I know, if I need to, I can always go to him. I felt relaxed. I thought I played one of my best games of the season."

Cesc Fabregas sets sights on Premier League title

Cesc Fabregas has insisted Arsenal are still in the Premier League title race despite their torrid start to the season.

The new Arsenal captain takes his team to Chelsea on Sunday with the club having lost five games in the league and only a week after Arsene Wenger's stripped William Gallas of the captaincy following criticism of his team-mates.

Arsenal are ten points behind Chelsea, but Fabregas is adamant they can still challenge for the title. "The aim is to lift a trophy," he said. "We are in the last 16 of the Champions League and are in contention in every competition. We have played only 14 league games this season and it is not over yet. Nothing is done and we will fight until the end.

"Our target is to go there and win, because we could get some points back. The other teams at the top have some difficult games as well, so we will see."

Fabregas added that Arsenal have the ability to beat any side on their day. "We have to play as a team and when we play good and quick passing, we can play against anybody and win," he said.

"Arsenal never go for a draw, we always go for a win and I am sure a club like Chelsea will do the same as well because every time I have played against them they have always gone forwards, to go for the victory."(times)

Welcome Back Fabregas

Wenger turned to Fabregas following William Gallas' public attack on the character of his team-mates and insisted that he had always regarded the 21-year-old as a potential captain.

However, when asked if the decision would make it easier to keep the Spaniard at the club, Wenger said: "I don't know, frankly. When you make that decision you don't think about that. It's a very young side and you need a player who is nearly sure to play every game."

Fabregas has been regularly linked with both Real Madrid and his former club Barcelona, but has a contract at Arsenal that runs until 2014.

"I don't know [if the captaincy will increase his commitment] but I never put in doubt his commitment to the club, that was one of the reasons," said Wenger. "It's important you are the voice of the club to the outside and your commitment is not questioned."

Fabregas said that he was "proud" to be made Arsenal captain. "I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential," he said.

Although stripped of the captaincy, Gallas trained as normal on Monday and will start Tuesday night's Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev that could guarantee Arsenal's place in the knockout phase. "William is a player I rate and a man I rate as well," said Wenger. "He's a fantastic player and I just felt the pressure on him was big and not justified.

"I have a big respect for him. He was working as a captain. I feel the media was out for Gallas and it became increasingly difficult. At some stage, you do not want this high pressure to affect him or the team.

"He is committed to the club. He took to heart all the problems of the team. This can be a new start for him and he can be stronger as a player."

Wenger said he did not regret the choice of Gallas as captain but did not discuss if he should have made a change at the end of last season.

Cesc Fabregas lets his Arsenal team do talking on pitch

Following in the footsteps of such luminaries as Alan Ball, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry would be daunting at any stage of a footballer's career. To do so while your team have been flirting with crisis and, according to your predecessor, lacked bravery, amounts to a genuine test of character.

Before Tuesday, Fabregas had only briefly captained Arsenal at the end of the Carling Cup final, though his experience in leading the Barcelona youth teams from the age of 11 to 16 was outlined in the matchday programme.

So what sort of captain will he become? Arsene Wenger gave a clue as to what he expects by telling his midfielder to focus on inspiring with deeds before words. "The best way to help your team as captain is to play well… play well yourself first of all, the rest will follow," the Arsenal manager said.

The early exchanges suggested Fabregas was determined to follow the advice, though his ultimate influence was only sporadic.

Fabregas admits that he will not be a "big shouter" and says he will try to lead by example. It would, therefore, seem that Arsenal supporters can expect a captain more in the mould of Thierry Henry than Tony Adams or John Terry.

Fabregas also hopes to take something from each of his three predecessors. "Patrick Vieira was a truly amazing captain," he said. "In the dressing-room he was always relaxed, making jokes, talking to the guys. On the pitch you always knew you could count on him to go into war with you.

"Thierry, well, what can you say about him? He was the best player in the world when he was here. I still speak to Thierry on the phone occasionally, too, and will ask him about it.

"As for William, I have a great respect for him. You can never doubt his commitment to the club. I know he will help me."

It is a role Wenger expects Fabregas to grow into. "I have never met someone who was a born leader. But I believe Cesc can develop it."

Wenger first approached Fabregas about the possibility of replacing Gallas on Sunday in the aftermath of the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City. "I told him that of course I would love it," Fabregas said. "I don't want to fail him, because he has given me everything in football. There are a lot of players in the dressing-room who can develop and help and we can do it together."

Gallas, who Wenger expects to have a "weight off him", has also now distanced himself from the possibility of leaving. "Since his bad-mood gesture against Birmingham last year, they [the media] have imagined his departure from Arsenal," his agent, Etienne Mendy, said. "It is fake. He has taken the critics and has turned the page. William is never better than when he has his back to the wall."

Yet for all the talk of a fresh start, it's only on the pitch that Arsenal can tackle the perception that they're a team in decline. This was simply an encouraging start.

Fabregas: Arsenal captaincy proves my commitment

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger named Fabregas as William Gallas' permanent successor following the Frenchman's outspoken attack on his team-mates last week.

Fabregas has repeatedly been linked with a move back to his native Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid having shown an interest in the playmaker.

But the 21-year-old insists taking the armband proves his future remains at the Emirates Stadium.

“By becoming captain it shows how much I’m committed to the club," he said in the Sun.

“I actually feel I’ve shown commitment since I arrived here. Each year people talk about me leaving yet I’m still here and I want to be part of the future of Arsenal.

“I love the club and I’m totally committed to it. I’m not looking to play anywhere else.

“Of course, the future for Arsenal is bright. The players are very much looking forward to the next few years.”

Following Gallas' comments last week, Wenger did not hesitate to strip the defender of the captaincy and drop him from the squad for the trip to Manchester City. And the Arsenal manager says his decision to appoint Fabregas as Gallas' successor was straightforward.

“I have never doubted Cesc’s commitment and that was one of the reasons for making him captain," he said.

“It’s important you are the voice of the club to the outside and your commitment is not questioned.

“Cesc has the leadership qualities, the experience and the confidence of the other players.”(telegraph)

Cesc Fabregas handed Arsenal captaincy as William Gallas returns for Kiev clash

The controversial defender was excluded from the trip to Manchester City on Saturday, which Arsene Wenger's men lost 3-0, after publicly criticising his team and questioning their fighting spirit.

However, Wenger maintained that former Chelsea defender Gallas, 31, still had a future at the club.

"William will play against Kiev, but the captain of the team will be Fabregas," he said. "I do not think I have to especially explain why I make the decisions, but it is a permanent thing.

"William is a player that I rate; I have big respect for him. It wasn’t working as a captain, he was under big pressure from the press and at some stage you do not want this kind of pressure to affect him or affect the team.

"He took all the team’s problems to his heart. This can be a new start for him."

Wenger felt it had been an "interesting" few days for Arsenal, whose season is threatening to unravel.

He said: "When you do not win, nobody jumps off the roof, but the frustration does kick in. It is a good opportunity now for us to show we have strength and ability - you know how it works, you go from fantastic to a catastrophe, but real life is somewhere in between."

Wenger also said he was confident that the future of the club was in safe hands, led by 21-year-old Fabregas.

"I believe the captain is the voice of the club towards the outside, and is one of the leaders of the team," he said. "However, I do not believe in just one man in the dressing room who sorts out all of the problems.

"A successful team is a shared leadership inside the dressing room. He (Fabregas) will be one of the leaders, but not the only one."

Predicting that his squad can turn things around he said: "So even if we are at the moment frustrated, it is not all doom and gloom. We have a strong belief in our ability and we have a good opportunity to show we care about the club and that we can qualify tomorrow.

"We have quite a good way to protect the players here and they know how much we believe in them and how much confidence we have in them.

"My trust in my players has not been affected."(telegraph)

Cesc Fabregas The New Captain

Just as Michael Atherton became known as FEC (Future England Captain) in his early years at Lancashire, Fabregas has carried the aura and appearance of a player who was destined for leadership long before his ultimate promotion.

“I always felt he had the qualities of a leader,” said Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager. “He has experience and the confidence of the rest of the team. When I played I was a captain. It's not especially linked with age. Most of the time the responsibilities make you grow, make you become more mature and you deal with the situation."

Wenger, though, is already keen to stress that the responsibility of leadership must not simply rest on the slight shoulders of his 21-year-old midfielder. "I don't believe in one man who sorts out all the problems in the dressing room," he said. "He will be one of the leaders in the team. We have to share that leadership."

There is, however, little doubt that Fabregas will relish the chance to follow in the footsteps of men such as Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. After the recent match against Stoke he outlined his desire to captain Arsenal, and on Monday he said: "It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."

For Wenger, it is a calculated gamble. He may have some concerns about placing too much pressure on one player, but knows that he must find a personality with the ability to unite the squad.

At a club who have largely built their reputation on stability, diplomacy and a tendency to deal with problems behind closed doors, Fabregas will also be regarded by the majority of supporters as a more suitable figurehead than William Gallas.

Wenger will also hope that captaincy can bring out the best in Fabregas, the footballer. After helping Spain to win the European Championship and being so influential for Arsenal last season, there has been a sense that his form has dipped during this campaign.

Fabregas is certainly confident that his performances will be lifted. In August, after a 3-1 win against Stuttgart in a friendly, he said: "I've shown that I can take that responsibility and if I was made captain, I'd give even more. I don't know where I'd get that little extra from, but I'd try to find it."

Wenger's decision to raise Fabregas' status at Arsenal will also be perceived as an attempt to ensure that he is not tempted by interest from Spanish clubs.

The entire Arsenal project rests on the vast majority of his young squad deciding to remain together and the departure of Fabregas – particularly if the club failed to quality for the Champions League – could have a devastating impact.

While there have been suspicions regarding Gallas' status in the dressing-room, few would also doubt the esteem in which Fabregas is held. "His performance over the last couple of years has been fantastic," defender Gael Clichy said. "It's a good choice from the boss and all the players will give him all the support he needs.

"When he started playing, people said Cesc was too young to have the responsibility in the team. But he's shown he's a key player in the squad and fully deserves this honour from the boss. It's all about togetherness.

"The only thing Cesc has to do is play his best football. I think Tony Adams was given the armband at 19. Now he's one of the greatest for all the fans. I hope Cesc will do the same."(telegraph)

Cesc Fabregas tipped to succeed William Gallas as Arsenal captain

Cesc Fabregas is the leading candidate to replace William Gallas as Arsenal captain after the Frenchman was stripped of the armband by manager Arsene Wenger.

Fabregas was suspended for the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City, when goalkeeper Manuel Almunia led out the side.

A report in this morning's Sunday Express claims Fabregas, 21, will be named the club's new captain ahead of the Champions League visit of Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

The paper suggests handing Fabregas the responsibility will strengthen his ties to the club and help repel the advances of potential suitors like Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It is unclear whether Gallas, who was left out of the matchday squad in Manchester, will return against the Ukranians.

Wenger has insisted Gallas remains committed to Arsenal, despite his outspoken criticism of his team-mates.

"Obviously he has a future at the club," Wenger said, though he refused elaborate on the situation surrounding the player.

"Here in a post-match interview I will not speak about William Gallas. There was nothing disturbing before the game, we had a good focus, we were well concentrated. I believe it was a flattering victory for Manchester City today.

"William Gallas is a player who doesn't play today. So what can he do for the club? Why do we not then talk of Fabregas and all the other nine players not here?"

This morning's News of the World claims Gallas has been told to apologise to his team-mates if he wishes to remain at the club. While other reports have linked West Ham defender Matthew Upson with a return to Arsenal in January as a potential replacement for Gallas.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn says Gallas must apologise if he is to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

"Arsene Wenger has got to deal with it," said Winterburn. "If he takes the captaincy away and keeps him at the club, then obviously Gallas is going to have to apologise. The players are then just going to have to accept that and get on.

"But importantly for William Gallas, he is now going to have to win back over the fans, because they are the ones who can make or break your career."(telegraph)

Arsenal ban Cesc Fabregas from talking about the B-word

Arsenal have banned Cesc Fabregas from speaking about Barcelona.

Fabregas has spoken fondly of his former club in interviews with the Spanish press while always stressing he is happy at Arsenal.

But the Gunners, aware that Barcelona would love to re-sign the midfielder who came to Arsenal in 2003, have stopped Fabregas from mentioning the B-word.

Under new coach Pep Guardiola, Barcelona are playing what many observers believe is the most exciting football in Europe.

While Arsenal can be the most entertaining team in the Premier League, unlike Barcelona they have lost four games and are the outsiders of the Big Four to win the title.

Barca are top of La Liga with nine wins and a draw from 11 games, averaging more than three goals a match.

Arsenal are aware that a fourth season without success would make it more difficult to keep a player wanted by Barcelona who have been rejuvenated by Guardiola's coaching and leadership.

We repaid Arsene Wenger for his belief in us, says Cesc Fabregas

This wonderful match was hailed as "playground football'' by Sir Alex Ferguson, whose Manchester United team were edged by Arsene Wenger's youngsters patently relishing the opportunity to express themselves without being bullied. Leaving the playground afterwards, Arsenal's players were also keen to voice their admiration for the French professor shaping their fortunes.

After all the criticism of Wenger, some legitimate, much ludicrous, the players were determined to show their support in deed, through relentless endeavour, and then through word. "We did it for him because he has believed a lot in us,'' reflected Cesc Fabregas. "Without him, probably apart from William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre, the rest of us may never have had the chance to play football. We owe him a lot.''

The match-winner, Samir Nasri, agreed. "He's one of the best in the world and it's a great honour for me to play for him,'' said Nasri, whose two goals paved the way for a cathartic triumph. "He's always very affectionate with his players.''

Nasri's performance exuded all the qualities Wenger seeks in his players, all the elevated technique and movement, and the newcomer from Marseille led the way in reminding the doubters of the character within the Arsenal dressing room. When Nasri glided away from the Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, with the ball, it embodied Arsenal's belief – and Wenger's commitment to recruit promise and turn into rich potency.

"Nasri is the shortest adapter to the game [in England] because I haven't seen many players so quickly adapting to the intensity of the game,'' said Wenger, although Bacary Sagna settled equally fast last season. "Nasri has outstanding physical qualities. He doesn't look it but he is outstanding physically and he has great technique and above all, he is very intelligent.''

The man himself had dreamed of playing for Arsenal. "I used to watch them on TV, when Robert Pires was there, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira,'' said Nasri. "Arsenal seem like a French team. The manager is French, we've got African players who speak French, so, obviously, there's a lot of French talking everywhere. And, in France, we consider Arsenal like the 21st team of our league.

"Maybe we don't have the experience of Liverpool, United or Chelsea, but we showed how mature we've become. We are back in it [the title race], but we always thought we were in it anyway, even before that game. We can definitely achieve the title this season.''

Such defiance and dynamism was seen everywhere. William Gallas headed away most danger. Gael Clichy, outstanding against Ronaldo, was so determined to win the ball off Wayne Rooney at one point that he accepted the inevitable follow-through from the United striker, the studs going into his stomach.

Wenger understandably took so much pride in his players' performance and believes they have re-joined what could be the most thrilling and open title race in years. "It could be tighter than everybody expected it to be, because the teams in the second part of the league have improved and it's difficult to go away and win at Stoke, Blackburn, Bolton, Wigan,'' said Wenger.

All the pre-match hysteria of this match was put into perspective during a moving period of silence for Remembrance Day when the whole stadium stood in salute, the only noise being murmurs of disapproval towards the BBC radio commentator Alan Green, who had remained seated. Such silences are invariably followed by a cathartic roar and there could be no doubt that Arsenal's fans were fully behind the players and Wenger.

The diminution of his attacking resources through injury (Emmanuel Adebayor) and suspension (Robin van Persie) had forced Wenger into a system that proved perfectly designed to deal with United's midfield strength; introducing Abou Diaby into midfield meant Arsenal went three v two in the centre. As hard as Anderson (particularly) and Michael Carrick worked, they were outnumbered by Fabregas, Diaby and Denilson.

"I will use it again because we felt going forward we scored many goals but defensively we conceded too many from outside the box basically,'' observed Wenger, acknowledging past failings. Park Ji-sung drifted inside from the left to help United's overwhelmed midfield at times but this actually helped lead to Arsenal's opener.

Patrice Evra was exposed, panicked into fouling Sagna. Fabregas' free-kick was headed out by Dimitar Berbatov, poorly, the ball dropping just outside the box. Nasri took advantage, firing a shot via Gary Neville past Edwin van der Sar.

If United should have kept out Nasri's first, his second was unstoppable. Here was one of the moves of the season, a 16-pass affair involving all but Silvestre of Arsenal's outfield players, climaxing in Nasri letting fly from 20 yards.

United, though, had chances to score, Rooney and Ronaldo missing glorious chances. As the match nudged towards the frantic six minutes of injury time, Rafael da Silva confirmed his burgeoning talent with a magnificent strike after replacing Gary Neville.

Ferguson has an important call to make on Neville soon as Rafael's ability, and Wes Brown's reliability, cannot be ignored. Rio Ferdinand also deserves the captaincy on a full-time basis as he, unlike Neville and Ryan Giggs, is guaranteed to start. United, though, will fight back from this. Just as Arsenal did from their brief dip.

Ferguson reflected afterwards on the pressures of an away game in the Premier League after a European game. "They say the league is not handicapped – I am not so sure,'' said the United manager. "Having every game away from home following a European tie is not easy. Going from Celtic on Wednesday to play at Arsenal the following Saturday lunchtime is hard, although funnily enough, I did not think it was a problem today.''

Arsenal's young guns deserve to win the Champions League says Emmanuel Adebayor

Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and even Aaron Ramsey excelled better than ever before on the European stage on Tuesday night.

But one of the senior partners of this otherwise youthful Arsenal side believes the only reward for the excellence on display in Istanbul will be to win the Champions League.

Emmanuel Adebayor began the scoring in the 5-2 win over Fenerbahce – only the fourth time Arsenal have scored as many goals on their European travels – and then insisted that silverware has to follow.

If Arsenal beat Fenerbahce again, in a fortnight at the Emirates Stadium, and Dynamo Kiev win at home to Porto, both teams will be guaranteed qualification with two games to go. Then Arsenal can concentrate on the Premier League.

"I think I need to win something with the club and that's my hope," said Adebayor. "I think we have been playing great football, and, when everyone has been talking about how the way we play, and now, we all know it's the time to win something.

"Playing good football is good, but, winning something is even better. Now, all of our hope is to win something, to achieve something.

"We know it's going to be tough. In England we've got a lot of great teams, and, in Europe, all the big teams are in the Champions League.

"So I know, and I believe in the squad that we can still do something if we believe in ourselves, I think that's what we are doing."

Arsenal reached the quarter-finals last season before losing to Liverpool and Adebayor added: "What we did last season is already behind us. And now, this season, what we want to achieve, to be honest, is to win it."

The form of the youngsters has given Adebayor fresh hope, as he added: "As you can see, those players are very young, we are very young, and, as a young player, you want to achieve something, that's for sure."

The key to success could lie with Cesc Fabregas, who was outstanding on Tuesday, making three of the five goals with precision passes.

"Of course, he's a great player," added Adebayor. "He gives great balls and he's one of the best young players in the world, there's no doubt about that. And playing with him, for me, is always a pleasure."

And Adebayor admitted that Fabregas's continued improvement could prove a problem for Arsenal, with the rest of Europe eyeing the young Spaniard jealously.

"Every big team wants good players and he's a good player, so, there's no doubt, that every single club would want him, but, I think, he's a great, big guy and, now he knows what he's doing."(Telegraph)

Cesc Fabregas rejects new contract

It has been reported that Arsenal star midfielder Cesc Fabregas has rejected a contract extension at the club.

His rejection has fuelled speculation that the Spaniard may have his sights set on returning to his native Spain with either FC Barcelona or Real Madrid where his skills have for a long time now been admired.

Fabregas who was born in Barcelona joined Arsenal in 2003 from Barcelona where he had been a trainee.

A contract extension would keep the twenty one year old at Arsenal until 2016 but he appears to be waiting to hear what either Barcelona or Real Madrid are able to offer.(soccerway)

Cesc Fabregas: Arsenal players the envy of every other club

After recently criticising Arsene Wenger's policy of relying too heavily on youth, midfielder Cesc Fabregas has made a quick u-turn by claiming Arsenal's young guns are the envy of the footballing world.

Fabregas, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona when he was just 16, is now the older statesman of the midfield, having witnessed the departures of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan, Alexander Hleb to Barca and Gilberto Silva to Panathinaikos.

In their place, Wenger has handed starting roles to Theo Walcott, Denilson, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, and despite losing to Fulham and Hull in the Premier League, have shown a maturity that belies their age.

Fabregas had previously said their lack of experience would prove costly when it comes to challenging for domestic and European honours, moaning: "Our squad is a bit short on numbers and we are very young. We find it very hard to win matches, as we don't possess enough experience."

However, a new day would appear to bring a fresh perspective, with the 21-year-old Spain international saying: "Arsene has built an unbelievable squad here. Yes, we do have a lot of young players. But they have all shown they can handle it at the top level in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"We're the envy of every other club and it's so exciting to be a part of that. It's hard to imagine I'm one of the oldest players at the club now but it will be a privilege to help guide some of these youngsters through.

"The future is bright. Players like Theo Walcott, Denilson and Samir Nasri have shown real class and I'm positive we have the quality to challenge for the title.

"I've complete trust in the manager's policy. Arsene is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn't care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.

"Anything said to the contrary is simply not true. I'd like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 per cent behind the team and manager."

Reports suggest Wenger may be adding 21-year-old goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to his squad in January.

The £6m-rated Wolves player has impressed the Frenchman with fine performances for both club and country, and shone in Wales' 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Germany on Wednesday.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas criticises Arsene Wenger's reliance on youth

Cesc Fabregas has expressed his doubts on Arsene Wenger's youth policy, suggesting it has jeopardised Arsenal's chances of Premier League success.

Fabregas believes Arsenal's team is too young and lacks crucial experience.

Alexander Hleb, Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva have all been sold on, while Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky has a long-term knee injury.

That means Arsenal's current first-choice midfield is usually Fabregas, Denilson, Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott - the average age being just 20.

Fabregas is the older statesman of the quartet - having joined Arsenal from Barcelona when he was only 16 - and is starting to feel the burden of responsibility.

He said: "Our squad is a bit short on numbers and we are very young. It's hard to imagine a midfield where I am the oldest member.

"We find it very hard to win matches, as we don't possess enough experience.

"I scored 13 goals last season but then I had plenty of allies. Rosicky was around, Flamini covered every blade of grass and Hleb was like a brother to me out there.

"The team played with a lot of skilful touches, we were as solid as a brick wall and our opponents would not get a look in.

"Now none of those players and in the side and I feel like a rare being. We are more defensive-minded and sturdy as a team but we don't play so much skilful stuff."

Arsenal have already lost to Hull and Fulham this season and only a late Fabregas goal saved them from a third Premier League defeat of the campaign, against Sunderland in their last match.

The Spain international is recognised as the lynchpin of the Arsenal team, but there are fears he may return to Barca soon.

Fabregas has admitted to struggling at times with life in England, and said: "The hardest part of playing here was having to leave my family behind when I was so young.

"I had to endure all my problems by myself and my adolescene passed me by."

To add necessary experience to the Arsenal midfield, Wenger is targeting Barcelona's Yaya Toure, brother of Kolo, in the January transfer window.

Juventus are also reportedly interested, and Toure said: "Wenger and Kolo called in the summer to convince about this chance, but at that moment I was happy at Barcelona."

Toure's agent, Dimitri Selluk, said: "Yaya does not have a problem with Barcelona, but his only desire is to play regularly and therefore he wants to see if he is in their plans."

Spanish are not racist, claims Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has hit back at the Football Association for asking to move England's friendly against Spain on the grounds of racism.

The game was scheduled to be played on Feb 11 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, but the FA cited racism problems four years ago at the same stadium as grounds enough to move the match to a different venue.

Fifa fined the Spanish federation 100,000 Swiss francs (£45,000) after England's Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas were racially abused on England's last visit in 2004.

But the 21-year-old Arsenal midfielder does not think England as a whole sees the Spanish as racists.

"I don't know if racism is the word," said Fabregas, who has won 35 caps for Spain. "I had not yet broken into the Spanish team for that game four years ago, but a good friend and teammate of mine, Cole, played with England and he felt hurt.

"The players may have returned to England annoyed, but I do not think we have got to the point where Spaniards are viewed as racists. I don't think we are – it is a bit extreme.

"It is necessary to reduce the importance of this charge because in football the fans are always going to support the team and be behind us."

Fabio Capello and Rio Ferdinand have already said they would be happy to play England's friendly at the Bernabeu.

England defender Ferdinand, who is preparing for their World Cup qualifier against Belarus tonight, said: "Going back to Madrid is not a problem.

"Wherever the FA ask us to play isn't a problem. The players won't mind that. Everyone knows what happened last time.

"If we did go back there, it would be nice to imagine that the same kind of stuff that happened to the black players last time doesn't happen again. You remember different games for different reasons. That one was remembered for the wrong reasons, which isn't nice.

"The Bernabeu holds a lot of great memories for different players and fans across the world, but those were bad memories for us from that one international."(telegraph)

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey as good as Cesc Fabregas, says Wales coach

Aaron Ramsey has been backed to become as influential at both club and international level as Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas – even though he has yet to play for his country at senior level.

Ramsey joined Arsenal from Cardiff in the summer for £5 million and, on Friday, will be the youngest player in Wales’ Under-21 side for the Uefa Championship play-off first leg against England at Cardiff City’s Ninian Park.

Brian Flynn, a key member of the successful Leeds side of the late 1970s, is in charge of Wales’ teams from Under-17 to Under-21 level and has witnessed Ramsey’s progress from an early level.

“I’ve known him since he was 14 and he can be whatever he wants,” said Flynn. “I see him as a top six Premier League player and a top international player in Europe.

“At this stage I would say he’s as good as Fabregas was as a 17-year-old. He’s moved to London - it’s a big move for a young man – and he and can establish himself in the Premier League.

“And he’s Welsh and he speaks Welsh. He ticks all the boxes. He’s also a good rugby player and a good long distance runner as well.”

Indeed, Ramsey was approached, while playing junior rugby union for Caerphilly RFC, by St Helens, but decided to stay with football and, in the summer, despite interest from Everton and Manchester United, he signed for Arsenal – after manager Arsene Wenger flew the youngster and his family to Switzerland – when Arsenal were on a pre-season tour – for talks.

Ramsey made his debut in the 2-0 Champions League qualifying win over FC Twente, in August, and, a month later, set up two goals in the 6-0 Carling Cup demolition of Sheffield United.

“I am fairly certain that he’s in good hands, with Arsene Wenger,” added Flynn.

“Arsene has a track record of producing huge talents. He’s at a fantastic club and growing up with a very good group of players his age.”

A victory over England at Ninian Park would set the Welsh youngsters up for a nervous return leg so John Toshack has delayed the natural progression of elevating Ramsey to senior level. The senior team play a World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein, at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, but Ramsey will be needed at Villa Park.

Flynn added: “He’s close, he’s very close to senior international football and, with others, he can be a major influence for us. He’s always got time on the ball, he’s got a combination of a lot of things for a midfield player, fantastic energy.

“I’m not being negative but the only thing I’ve not seen from him, from the Under-17 age group, is a natural goalscoring ability.

“He can shoot but I haven’t seen him arrive in the box and get goals inside the penalty box. We encourage him to do that, it’s the one thing I haven’t seen him do so there’s a chink in the armour – or is there? But there’s plenty of time to get that right; he’s still only 17.” (telegraph)