Barca were rebuffed by Arsenal in their pursuit of Fabregas 12 months ago but are once again trying to persuade the Gunners to part with their skipper. Guardiola told a press conference on Tuesday: "We were interested last year, but Arsenal did not put him on the market. This year they've agreed to negotiate and we will try to reach an agreement." Guardiola added: "You all know about Barca's interest in Cesc. There is money set aside for this player and until the last day we will try to bring in Cesc because he will make the squad better. I hope that something can be sorted. Until August 31 there is time, but at times things don't always work out." While Guardiola is keen to sign Fabregas, he does not want the midfielder to force the move by going on strike. He said: "I think that Cesc has to do what Arsenal ask. For me I wouldn't like one of my players to say 'now I'm not training because I want to go'." Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta added: "The position towards Arsenal is one of maximum respect because the club own the player. Also towards the player (himself). "From there, our position is to try and see eye to eye (on a deal), creating proposals that may be of interest, while always maintaining the maximum respect. We don't have a style of doing things by force." While Guardiola says Barcelona are keen to do a deal for Fabregas this summer, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists the Catalans have not been in touch. He told the Daily Star: "I am not sure how keen they are. There are still stories in the (Spanish) press, but they don't talk to us. "They've made one offer, which works out at around £26m, but that was ages ago. But at the moment our situation is very straightforward: we don't want to lose him. "Obviously if they come up with an offer which was a very good offer we would have to think about it. "We have told them a number of times that what they are proposing is unacceptable and yet they haven't moved on it. "I don't approve of what they are doing, but unfortunately it seems the way of the world right now." Hill-Wood admits he has become bored of the constant speculation surrounding Fabregas and a possible return to his hometown club. "It has become a real bore and an unnecessary interruption to what we are trying to achieve," added Hill-Wood. Hill-Wood also underlined Arsenal's intent to keep Samir Nasri. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini recently confirmed they were hoping to sign Nasri this summer. Nasri has been linked with a move away from Arsenal with the Frenchman yet to agree a new deal at the Emirates Stadium. However, Hill-Wood is determined to keep the skilful midfielder at Arsenal despite the player entering the final year of his contract. "City seem to have more money than anybody else, and they keep splashing it around all over the place," added Hill-Wood. "But our position is very straightforward: we don't want the player to leave."
