Cesc Fabregas's father opens way for Barcelona talks

Homeward bound? Fabregas is expected to be the subject of a summer bid by Barcelona
Cesc Fabregas's father has paved the way for talks to begin in the summer over a potential move to Barcelona.
The European Cup holders have made the Arsenal midfielder their primary summer transfer target despite Arsene Wenger remaining adamant that he will not sell the player.
Yesterday, Barcelona were forced to deny that they had reached an agreement with Fabregas after Spanish radio reported a deal had been struck.
Francesc Fabregas Sr spoke out today to play down reports of a mid-season agreement, but in doing so he has hinted that his son could be open to an offer at the end of the season, as long as Barcelona make a formal approach to Arsenal.
“If something has to happen, we will see at the end of the season. We would talk," Fabregas Sr said.
“But to be talking about these [things] at the middle of the season ... I understand Arsenal being angry.
"If a club is interested in a player, then it should go to the other club and try to negotiate. This is the way to function always.
“If this thing has to happen, it has to be this way: Barca [must] talk to Arsenal. That goes the same with Cesc and for the rest of the players.”
Fabregas claimed that Barcelona would be “annoyed“ if one of their players was approached without their consent and pleaded that his son be allowed to focus on Arsenal for the remainder of the season. “Imagine if this could happen to a Barca player. Everybody would be very annoyed with these speculations," he said.
“This is why I think that the best thing to do it is to leave this thing here, because Cesc belongs to Arsenal. I always think: do not do what you do not want them to do to you. The best thing to do now it is to kill this matter now and that’s it.”
Ivan Gazidis, the Arsenal chief executive, has warned off Barcelona from making any public statements about Fabregas but the Spanish club believe they may be able to lure him back if he finishes the season without a winners' medal. Arsenal are six points behind Chelsea, the leaders, in the Premier League and remain in the Champions League.
Fabregas spent six years as a youth team player at Barcelona before joining Arsenal in 2003. The 22-year-old playmaker, who has four years remaining on his contract, has scored 11 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League appearances this season.