Arsenal look set for a battle to hold onto Cesc Fabregas this summer as Barcelona continue to publicly court the Spanish midfielder.
Fabregas, who began his career in the Nou Camp youth system before heading to the Gunners as a 16-year-old in 2003, is widely reported to have already informed Arsene Wenger of his decision to return home.
Although there has been no official comment from the Premier League club, Barcelona show little sign of letting up in their public pursuit of the Arsenal captain.
The 23-year-old missed the end of the Gunners' campaign after suffering a cracked bone in his leg during the Champions League quarter-final against the Catalan giants, which ruled him out of the return clash at the Nou Camp, and is set to return to action at the World Cup.
Fabregas, who played alongside Lionel Messi in the Barcelona youth ranks before moving to Highbury, has long dealt with the constant rumours of him returning to Spain, but always reiterated his commitment to the Gunners.
Last week, however, the player himself delivered something of a mixed message when speaking at an event near the Spanish city, claiming if he ever left the Emirates it would be to wear the Barcelona shirt and that he wanted his future sorted before the World Cup.
Vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed Barcelona already have the "will" of the Spanish midfielder.
Key to Fabregas' decision is thought to be whether he can fulfil his ambitions with the Gunners, who have now failed to land a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.
Arsenal are obviously determined to keep their talisman, contracted to the club until 2014 and one of the biggest earners in the squad, but could now be resigned to losing him.
They would look to secure a £40million fee for a player who has always been integral to Wenger's long-term plans.
Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta was taken aback by Fabregas' comments last week.
"It is remarkable that the player has said that," said Laporta.
"If the technical secretary [Txiki Begiristain] believes we must make an effort, we will do and will talk to Arsenal."
The Spanish side are also hoping to complete a move for Valencia striker David Villa.
Vice-president Yuste added: "Negotiations are progressing well, especially in the case of Villa.
"The situation with Cesc is different, because even if you have the will of the player, it's important to talk to the club and if you can, find an agreement, but what makes it easier is that both players want to come to Barca."
While the loss of Fabregas would be a massive blow, Wenger has been active in his summer recruitment drive already as he looks to complete the formalities of Marouane Chamakh's arrival.
The Morocco international has been in London to put the finishing touches to a free transfer move from Bordeaux, which can be officially confirmed once his contract with the French club expires.
The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for the Gunners having almost come to Emirates Stadium last summer, and will give Wenger the back-up in attack needed to support Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, but his arrival could also leave a question mark over the future of Croatia striker Eduardo.
Wenger is also keen to further bolster his squad after a campaign which promised so much failed to deliver a trophy for the fifth successive year.
West Ham's England pair Robert Green and Matthew Upson - a former Gunner - have both been linked with moves to the club, while Wenger is also an admirer of Fulham's Brede Hangeland and Senegal defender Pape Diakhate.
Wenger will, meanwhile, also have to resolve the contract issues of veterans Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre, while youngster Fran Merida has yet to agree a new deal - with Europa League winners Atletico Madrid keen on the 20-year-old Spanish midfielder.
Both Gallas and Silvestre appear set to move on, but Campbell could yet agree terms on a 12-month extension.
The 35-year-old, captain of the 2003/2004 Invincibles team, impressed after his return to Arsenal on a short-term deal during January.
