Cesc Fabregas

Barcelona have exhausted all their efforts in trying to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas , the Catalan outfit’s vice president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has said.

“This is the least secret pursuit in history,” said Bartomeu. "[Director Andoni] Zubizarreta and [manager Pep] Guardiola would like to sign the player as soon as possible, but no more effort can be made. Arsenal 's position is very firm, they have indicated that they don’t want to sell him. They are inflexible.”

The vice president insisted Barcelona would “not give up,” but said that relations between the two club had been strained by the previous Nou Camp board.

“Arsenal were very angry with the previous board,” he said. “We have spent two weeks trying to mend relations with them."

Bartomeu added that if Arsenal do eventually declare their willingness to negotiate, Barcelona would not  accept “astronomical figures."

Meanwhile, Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger insisted that Fabregas would remain the Gunner’s skipper next year but said the says the club will not launch an official complaint about Barcelona 's conduct in the affair.

"I have always said that Cesc Fabregas will be our captain next year and that we want to keep him," said Wenger on Sky Sports News. "And, despite all the speculation from last season and the whole summer, nothing has changed."

When asked about a possible formal complaint against Barcelona , Wenger said: "I would say that I believe that Arsenal deserves respect.

"If the players make some statements and jokes, we can do exactly the same, but I believe we have to live with that and we do not have to complain too much.

"I believe it's important that we focus on the targets we have together. There's a very good attitude and spirit inside the squad and Cesc Fabregas can help us to achieve our targets.

"He's now at an age, 23 years old, he's just won the World Cup and I believe he will grow in authority again next season. The biggest achievement for him is to help us win the championship."