Barcelona can block any move from Real Madrid for Arsenal whiz Cesc Fabregas, it has been revealed.
DiarioSport says Barca have a first refusal option on Cesc, which allows them to sign the midfielder should they match any rival bid.
The clause was engineered by former Barca vice-president Sandro Rosell during negotiations with Arsenal three years ago.
Meanwhile, Barca coach Frank Rijkaard admits Cesc's progress may not have been so meteoric if he'd stayed at the Nou Camp.
"It's not ideal for clubs to lose players from their juniors," he said. "But I understand this is how the market works.
"Hopefully Cesc can continue his great progress, but if he had remained here he may not be playing now. The certain thing is that moving to Arsenal has worked well for him."
DiarioSport says Barca have a first refusal option on Cesc, which allows them to sign the midfielder should they match any rival bid.
The clause was engineered by former Barca vice-president Sandro Rosell during negotiations with Arsenal three years ago.
Meanwhile, Barca coach Frank Rijkaard admits Cesc's progress may not have been so meteoric if he'd stayed at the Nou Camp.
"It's not ideal for clubs to lose players from their juniors," he said. "But I understand this is how the market works.
"Hopefully Cesc can continue his great progress, but if he had remained here he may not be playing now. The certain thing is that moving to Arsenal has worked well for him."
