Cesc agent welcomes Barca 'interest'
by Tom Adams, 12 October 2007
Cesc Fabregas’ agent Joseba Diaz admits his client would be flattered to receive an offer from Barcelona, even if they have heard nothing from the Spanish giants as of yet.
Reports in the Spanish press have claimed that Arsenal star Fabregas has emerged as a prime target for Barcelona – the team that educated him up until the age of 16 – after a stunning start to the season that has seen the midfielder add a glut of goals to his all-round excellence.
Fabregas has also been frequently linked to Real Madrid and has always professed a desire to return to his native Spain at some stage in his career, and Diaz admits it would be a tempting proposition should Barca made their interest official.
However, Fabregas has seven years remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium and his agent insists he has had no contact with the Camp Nou powerbrokers.
“I have spoken to Cesc and we know nothing of the interest from Barca,” Diaz told Marca.
“If there is interest, hopefully, then they are a great team that plays the best football and Cesc was very happy there.
“Neither the player nor I have considered the news, and really the only thing that worries us now is the [Spain] game against Denmark. What comes will come.
“If interest arose from Barca then we would listen to it, it is the club that taught him a lot and he would be flattered.”
Diaz also represents Fran Merida, the player who, last summer, followed in Fabregas’ footsteps by swapping Barcelona for Arsenal at the age of 16.
An independent tribunal has ruled that Merida must pay €3.2million (£2.23 million) in compensation after Barcelona took the issue of his departure to court – with Arsenal expected to foot the bill – but Diaz is keen to appeal against the decision.
“We are not in agreement with the opinion, so we will continue fighting until the end if it is necessary,” Diaz added.
“This issue has not finished.”