Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has refused to criticise boss Arsene Wenger for dashing his hopes of a dream move to Barcelona this summer (Arsenal 9/2 – Premier League Outright).

The Gunners ace is wanted back at hometown club Barca but Wenger made sure their offer for the 23-year-old playmaker was rejected out of hand, with the suggestion that Fabregas will be allowed to go next year.

The Spain international signed a long-term deal back in 2006 which has a three-year option so Arsenal hold all the cards.

However, Fabregas will not rock the boat and agitate for a switch to La Liga – probably because he knows it will happen one day.

He said: “Barcelona did all they could to sign me but Arsenal told me I had to stay, that there was no way they were going to let me go.

“In the end I had to stay – but the content of my conversation with Arsene Wenger will remain private.”

Fabregas is currently away with Spain (7/4 – 90 minutes) in Argentina (5/4) preparing for Tuesday’s friendly match.

Arsenal face Bolton at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon when the Premier League resumes after the international break.