CESC FABREGAS has reportedly told Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he wants to leave the club and join boyhood team Barcelona.

Sky Sports report that Guillem Balague has told Spanish paper AS that the Gunners captain has told Wenger that he is ready to quit for the Catalan giants.

Fabregas admitted last week that he would one day like to play for Barcelona, whom he joined Arsenal from in 2003. “I think I would like to go to Barcelona, whether or not they want me is another thing,” he said.

Barca president Joan Laporta responded to the comments, telling the club’s website: “It is remarkable that the player has said that.

“If the technical secretary (Txiki Begiristain) believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal.”