http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...al/8717785.stm
Barcelona say they are in official negotiations with Arsenal to sign Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish giants told BBC Sport that talks with Arsenal over a deal for the 22-year-old, who is with Spain's World Cup squad, "became formal" on Tuesday.
"An informal conversation with Arsenal became formal on 1 June and now an official approach has been made to the club," said a Barca spokesman.
Arsenal declined to comment when they were contacted by BBC Sport.
The Barca spokesman added: "Before 1 June, under English rules, we could not make an official approach to Arsenal for Fabregas, but that changed on Tuesday.
"I don't think there is a special advance on, say, the price or anything, but it has moved on now."
Barcelona have made it clear they regard Fabregas, who played in the youth team at the Nou Camp before moving to north London seven years ago, is one of their chief transfer targets this summer.
They are reported to have already bid £30m for the player, with Arsenal believed to be holding out for closer to double that amount.
Fabregas, who is currently with Spain's World Cup squad, signed an eight-year contract with the Gunners in 2006 and has been quoted as saying he would join Barcelona if he left the Emirates.
Barcelona director general Joan Oliver revealed on the club's official website: "Everyone knows that Cesc wants to play with Barca and everyone knows we want him to sign but here there is a third actor that is Arsenal.
"Yesterday [Tuesday] we presented a concrete offer and have written to Arsenal."
The vice-president of the Catalan club, Rafael Yuste, added: "We are hoping we can sign Cesc as soon as possible.
"I am optimistic. It is clear that he is family and we would greet his return with a warm embrace.
"For this reason we don't want to do anything that would harm his signing. We don't want to rush but neither will we stop."
Barca also revealed on their website that club director Raul Sanllehi and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain will direct their negotiations.
Barcelona say they are in official negotiations with Arsenal to sign Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish giants told BBC Sport that talks with Arsenal over a deal for the 22-year-old, who is with Spain's World Cup squad, "became formal" on Tuesday.
"An informal conversation with Arsenal became formal on 1 June and now an official approach has been made to the club," said a Barca spokesman.
Arsenal declined to comment when they were contacted by BBC Sport.
The Barca spokesman added: "Before 1 June, under English rules, we could not make an official approach to Arsenal for Fabregas, but that changed on Tuesday.
"I don't think there is a special advance on, say, the price or anything, but it has moved on now."
Barcelona have made it clear they regard Fabregas, who played in the youth team at the Nou Camp before moving to north London seven years ago, is one of their chief transfer targets this summer.
They are reported to have already bid £30m for the player, with Arsenal believed to be holding out for closer to double that amount.
Fabregas, who is currently with Spain's World Cup squad, signed an eight-year contract with the Gunners in 2006 and has been quoted as saying he would join Barcelona if he left the Emirates.
Barcelona director general Joan Oliver revealed on the club's official website: "Everyone knows that Cesc wants to play with Barca and everyone knows we want him to sign but here there is a third actor that is Arsenal.
"Yesterday [Tuesday] we presented a concrete offer and have written to Arsenal."
The vice-president of the Catalan club, Rafael Yuste, added: "We are hoping we can sign Cesc as soon as possible.
"I am optimistic. It is clear that he is family and we would greet his return with a warm embrace.
"For this reason we don't want to do anything that would harm his signing. We don't want to rush but neither will we stop."
Barca also revealed on their website that club director Raul Sanllehi and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain will direct their negotiations.
so true... i hate seeing stars leave even if its from the scum, just because i want my league to be the best 
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