Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has confirmed he is staying with Arsenal for the new Premier League season. The Spain midfielder had been the subject of rumours about a move back to his boyhood club Barcelona, but the 23 year old has commited his future to the North London club.

Fabregas has confirmed that Barcelona had tabled two bids for him, but both were rejected by Arsenal, who kept a firm not for sale stance on Fabregas throughout the summer. The midfielder issued a statement to the fans of Arsenal, after admitting he was seriously tempted to move to Spain and play for the La Liga champions.

Fabregas said: “Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.” He also added that he had had many conversations with Arsene Wenger and understands that “it is Arsenal’s prerogative not to sell me.”

I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal. I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.”, Fabregas also said in his statement.

This news will be a massive relief for Arsenal fans, as they would definitely have struggled without their talismanic captain. However, Arsenal fans will be worried at where Fabregas’ head lies and whether or not this season will be his last in Arsenal team colours. Barcelona want their former player badly and I don’t think they will just stop now. I am fully expecting a bid next summer and if Arsenal do not win anything this year, expect Fabregas’ head to be turned again and he may jet off to Spain, leaving Arsenal in serious limbo.