Valdes expects Cesc arrival - Camp Nou goalkeeper hopes international colleague will arrive

Posted Monday, August 08, 2011 by skysports.com

Valdes expects Cesc arrival - Camp Nou goalkeeper hopes international colleague will arrive
Fabregas: Has been linked with Barcelona all summer

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has revealed he expects Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to join the Catalan club very soon.

The Primera Liga outfit have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, who began his career at the club before moving to Arsenal in 2004.

Speculation has intensified in recent months over a possible transfer, though Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reluctant to sanction a deal for his midfield playmaker.

The Catalan giants have already seen two bids rejected for Fabregas this summer before a third offer was reportedly shunned by the Gunners earlier this week.

It is believed Arsenal are standing firm on their £40million (€45m) valuation of the player.

Contract

The Spaniard did not travel to Portugal for Arsenal's pre-season friendly with Benfica, though Wenger insists it is due to injury rather than any potential transfer, and confirmed he is a doubt for next week's season-opener against Newcastle.

In a new twist to the saga it has been reported that Fabregas may be willing to waive £4million worth of bonuses in his Arsenal contract in order to force through a move.

Barca shot-stopper Valdes is confident therefore that Fabregas will eventually move to the Camp Nou before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

"We expect to see Cesc in the Barca dressing room soon," said the 29-year-old in The People.

"The players want him to come because he is a big friend and an extraordinary footballer."