ARSENAL have rejected an offer from Barcelona for their captain Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona announced on Wednesday that they had made a formal approach for the 22-year-old midfielder, but Arsenal have moved quickly to knock back their bid.

An official statement on the Gunners' website read: “Yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas.

"In response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again we have no intention of selling our captain.

"To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion.

"Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word."

t is believed Barcelona were keen to sign Fabregas for a fee in the region of £35million, but it is understood Arsenal will hold out for a much higher figure.