Sagna: Fabregas exit would hit Gunners hard

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has admitted to Soccernet it would be a "big loss" for the club if Cesc Fabregas does join Barcelona this summer.

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Bacary Sagna: Wants Fabregas to stay

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It is believed Fabregas has told Arsene Wenger he wishes to return to Camp Nou immediately but Arsenal remain firmly opposed to selling their captain, having rejected an offer of €35 million from Barcelona prior to Spain's victory at the World Cup finals.

Wenger told Fabregas on Saturday it is now his responsibility to end the ongoing speculation regarding his future, with Barcelona, in public at least, backing down and suggesting a deal may not be possible before the start of the season.

As captain of Arsenal and the embodiment of Wenger's philosophy at Emirates Stadium, Fabregas is of course a vital player for the club and Sagna says it would be a setback for Wenger and his side if the Spain international did depart for Camp Nou.

"Things can happen in football," Sagna told Soccernet. "Maybe Cesc will leave, maybe he will stay, but at the moment he is still an Arsenal player, we need him for the future.

"We have to accept everything and adapt. Of course we all want him to stay. He knows what is best for him. I think everyone will approve his decision but everyone wants him to stay. It will be a big loss if he leaves."