Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc FÃ bregas with club director general Joan Oliver revealing his club has tabled a formal bid for the Spaniard.
“We had made [a number of] approaches to Arsenal but yesterday, 1 July, the date of the official opening of the transfer window, a formal, written, concrete offer was made, which was sent very late [last night],” said Oliver. “We have opened a formal process of negotiation with them.”
He continued, “You all know that the player has expressed his desire to play for Barça and the club want him to come but there is a third party, which is Arsenal. Any agreement depends on their will.”
Rafael Yuste, Barcelona director, said that he hoped the deal would be finalised “as soon as possibleâ€.
He added, “I am optimistic and it goes without saying that he and his family will get a very warm welcome. We won’t do anything to ruin the signing. We won’t be hasty but nor will we let up.
“The ball is in Arsenal’s court now and as we have an exceptional relationship with them I am optimistic.”
