Rumour: Arsenal reportedly out of the race to sign wantaway Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal have told Barcelona that they are not willing to take take advantage of their buy-back clause on Cesc Fabregas this summer, according to theBBC Sport‘s David Ornstein.

The Gunners had been linked with their former midfielder after Barcelona allegedly told the Spaniard that they were openly looking to sell him this summer.

Catalan team-mate Gerard Pique admitted that Barcelona had mistreated Fabregas.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Man United, as well as Liverpool, have all been linked to Fabregas but his most likely destination now is Chelsea.

Arsenal have informed Barcelona they won't be exercising buy-back option on Fabregas. He was keen but #afc not seeking a creative midfielder

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 5, 2014

Fabregas now open to market & future likely to be sorted in next few weeks. #Afc priority striker & right-back + will get back-up goalkeeper

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 5, 2014

Reports today suggested that Chelsea were preparing to offer Fabregas £200,000-per-week in a bid to persuade him to join the club and fend off interest from other clubs in the Premier League.

However, they may not need as much to persuade Fabregas anymore given Arsenal’s admission that they no longer wish to pursue the Spanish midfielder.

Fabregas played 212 Premier League games for Arsenal, scoring 35 goals.