Wenger: Barcelona have given up for some time now

Manager Arsène Wenger has said that only captain Cesc Fabregas can silence the 'noise' coming from Catalan giants Barcelona.

The World Cup winner has been the subject of much speculation from the Spanish club, even after Wenger himself has repeatedly said that there would be no opening negotiations with Barcelona.

The Frenchman also revealed that the Spanish club have indeed got the message that there was no chance of them prying away Arsenal's prized asset, and that speculation still continues because of the media.

The best way to deal with the regurgitation of the stories about Fabregas' future is for his captain himself to address the media, and put an end to the continued speculation.

Wenger said: "I cannot confirm nor deny anything. In the last six months, this story has made our lives difficult.

"At the moment, what is important is that when Cesc comes back, that he comes out. For me, I have nothing more to add.

"The conversations with the players have to be private because I cannot come out every time I speak with a player.

"In fairness I said many times the noises come back a lot from Spain and are translated here. I believe it is in the interest of the Premier League that all the big clubs keep their best players and for the reputation of the Premier League [it is important that] the best players play in this country.

"[Cesc returns on] August 5. We will only focus on football, there is only football.

"Cesc does that as well as everybody else. What can I say about that? I cannot master what is written in the newspapers, I can only master our decisions and that is it. Cesc has five years to go and that is it.

"The speculation does not stop. Who can stop the speculation? Only Cesc maybe, I don't know, maybe not even Cesc. But that is how I feel.

"We cannot go into a season where everyday you read about that. He has not played today and I sit here and speak about Fabregas.

"Barcelona has given up for a long time. Who is Barca? You say to me 'Barca has not given up', what does that mean? Who is the person who says they do not give up? The newspapers?

"The newspapers do not make those decisions. I told you yesterday what will happen - Fabregas will stay here."

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