Cesc calm over Barca talk

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has declared himself calm and optimistic as speculation continues over a possible move to Barcelona.

The Gunners are understood to have rejected one cut-price £27million offer, but Barca are expected to return with an improved deal - offering a player exchange as a sweetener - for the Spain midfielder.

Barcelona have failed in the past two years to re-sign the midfielder, who was a member of their youth Academy before moving to London in 2003.

Fabregas is not bothered by the speculation and is remaining coy on his future.

Calm

"I'm calm and I am optimistic," Fabregas told AS. "I have nothing to say and there is nothing to speak of.

"If something happens, it is because it has to happen.

"For my part, I've begun to get in shape, which is what I have to do."

There have been rumours that Arsenal could be prepared to sell Fabregas this summer for the right price and the midfielder insists he has no problems if this is the case.

"If a player is on the market it is because the club does not want him. I have no problems," added Fabregas.