Xavi has claimed Arsenal are "delaying the inevitable" by trying to block Barcelona's attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas and that the transfer target told Barcelona's Spanish stars during the World Cup he wanted to join them at club level.

"We know where Cesc wants to be this coming season, but perhaps there is not enough time for Barcelona and Arsenal to agree a deal,'' Xavi told the Daily Express. "Arsenal need to understand they are only delaying the inevitable.

If we don't manage to get his signature this season then Arsenal only really have him on loan for a year - because there is nothing they can do to stop him joining next summer.

"I haven't given up on him joining us this season but, if he doesn't, it won't be more than a year before he is back home.

His people will have a whole season to sort out the deal between the two clubs and it will happen at the very latest next summer.''