Arsenal give Barcelona ultimatum

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has contacted Barcelona personally and told them that they must up their offer to 40m GBP before the 5th August or Cesc Fabregas will stay at the Emirates Stadium next year.

The Spain international has been pining for a move back to his homeland all summer; but the Gunners and Barcelona have yet to agree a fee for the centre midfielder.

With Wenger insisting that only 40m GBP can secure the player, and Barcelona reportedly only willing to offer 32m GBP; there appears to be a stalemate in the discussions.

Wenger has given the deadline as he is looking to make plans in the transfer market himself for next year, and Fabregas' departure rests on how much money he can spend.