Fàbregas will stay with Arsenal - Robert Pires

Former Arsenal favourite Robert Pires believes his former club will not sell wantaway Cesc Fàbregas to Barcelona - at least not this summer.

Barça have confirmed they have been in contact with the Gunners regarding Fàbregas, who wants to return to the club where he developed as a youngster.

But Pires expects to see the 23-year-old still wearing Arsenal colours next season.

He told Catalan radio station Ona FM: "I don't think that Arsenal are going to allow Cesc to leave.

"Cesc is the image of Arsenal. I'll bet that we once again see Cesc in an Arsenal shirt.

"If we see a great Cesc today it's because Arsène Wenger has great confidence in him, as such I don't see Cesc leaving Arsenal."

Pires does not believe Fàbregas will play tough with Arsenal to force his exit either, claiming he has too much respect for Gunners boss Wenger.

He added: "I don't think so, because he's a very good kid, he has a very good education.

"He knows that he's got to where he has today thanks to Wenger and to the confidence the team has in him."

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