Gunners face a battle now to keep Fabregas

10:41am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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ARSENAL have a fight on their hands to keep hold of star player Cesc Fabregas after Real Madrid reportedly launched a £35million for the midfielder.

The Spanish champions have made their admiration for the player no secret, and club preseident Ramon Calderon has stated they will go to any length to secure the 21-year-old's services.

Arsene Wenger will be riled by Real's latest attempt to pry the Spanish international away from the Emirates, especially considering that he has already issued a hands-off warning to Inter Milan after they declared a similar interest in signing Alexander Hleb.

Indeed Wenger will face a tough battle to keep the rest of his squad together after Mathieu Flamini jumped ship for the glitz and glamour of the San Siro.

But Madrid are unrepetant, and have made Fabregas their number one target this summer, with Calderon insisting that the youngster is "the best midfielder in the world".

"If we receive any indication from the player that he wants to leave Arsenal then we will negotiate without limits," pledged Calderon.

"But like in the subject of Cristiano Ronaldo, the decision is up to them. My policy is also to work on signings without getting into wars with clubs if they don't want to sell the player.

"I would like to hear it personally from the player that he wants to leave before I make any move to respect Arsenal."

However Wenger believes Madrid are showing anything but respect to the Gunners, and was infuriated by Calderon's attempts to unsettle the player.

"The rules are clear: if you are interested in a player then first you have to call us," said an angry Wenger. "Real Madrid come out and say they want that player. That is something I would never do."