Fabregas could have been forgiven for expecting a frosty reception as he took to the pitch with the rest of his Gunners team-mates for an open training session. But there were no jeers for the 24-year-old, despite his apparent desire to quit the club for Barcelona, although things might have been different had Arsenal decided upon their usual roll call as the players entered the field. Heavy rain also forced the club to postpone their official team photo, which may ultimately spare them being left with one that includes Fabregas were he to leave. However, both Fabregas and contract rebel Samir Nasri are understood to have posed for annual in-house photos and videos on Thursday as well as completing the usual pre-season pictures for other media outlets. The postponed team photo, meanwhile, is expected to be taken at Arsenal's London Colney training ground before the end of the month. Whether Fabregas and Nasri end up in it remains to be seen, with the former the subject of a reported £35million bid from former club Barca, and the latter said to interest Manchester City and Chelsea. Arsenal are holding out for more money for Fabregas and there have been suggestions they could use the threat of playing him in their upcoming Champions League qualifier as a negotiating tactic. The midfielder has yet to feature in pre-season due a lack of fitness and concerns about his commitment, although he could take part in Saturday's final friendly at Benfica. Barca continued to woo Fabregas on Thursday, with the midfielder's Spain team-mate Andres Iniesta, telling Sport: "We have said it many times before. We would be thrilled with his arrival. "We are speaking about one of the best, but it all depends on the two clubs as well as the player's wishes." While they may be prepared to let Fabregas leave for the right price, Arsenal insist they have no intention of selling Nasri, who has refused to extend his contract which expires next summer. The France star did not train for long on Thursday due to a minor ankle problem, something which also limited the participation of Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. The bad weather was also one factor behind what was a low turnout of around 3,000 at the Emirates, when a crowd of 10,000 had been expected. Those who stayed until the end of the session were rewarded with an address from manager Arsene Wenger, who revealed he was "more determined" than ever to end the club's silverware drought. Arsenal face a tough start to the Barclays Premier League season, with a trip to Newcastle followed by games against Liverpool and Manchester United. Wenger said: "We know that but we are ready, well-prepared and determined to have a strong start. "We'll give absolutely everything to do it. "Let's focus and believe that we can do it." He added: "We had a good preparation and, I think, good team bonding. "Overall, we are very happy and confident. "We feel we were very, very close last year and we want to do it this year." Wenger is still trying to strengthen his squad and is said to have failed in a bid to sign Valencia winger Juan Mata. Mata's coach Unai Emery said on Tuesday night he expected the 23-year-old to stay at the club. Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has also been linked with the Gunners but he told L'Equipe: "My place is at this club. "I have never talked to Mr Wenger or anyone else. I want to enjoy success here. I have found my self-belief. "This season, I know we will win titles."
