Arsenal have abandoned efforts to keep skipper Cesc Fabregas who could be set for a return to Spanish giants Barcelona, Spanish sports newspapers said on Thursday.
Gunners coach Arsene Wenger has allowed his skipper to leave on condition he does not sign with another English team, the Barcelona-based daily said.
But it warned that "negotiations between the two clubs will not be easy."
It said Arsenal could ask for up to 50 million euros for the midfielder a star of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad.
Martinez free to pursue villa talks
London: Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as a front-runner for the vacancy at Aston Villa after being given permission to hold talks with the club.
Wigan owner Dave Whelan confirmed to Daily Telegraph that the Latics had given a green light to Martinez to speak to Villa, who are seeking to replace Gerard Houllier who stood down for health reasons.
Klose signs deal with Lazio
Rome: German striker Miroslav Klose looks set to end his playing career in Italy after signing for Lazio, the Serie A club confirmed. The former Bayern Munich player, who turned 33 on Thursday, celebrated with a reported two-year deal after leaving the Bundesliga side on a free transfer.
Liverpool set for China debut
Singapore: English Premiership giants Liverpool will kick off an Asian tour next month with their first ever game in China, where they are estimated to have tens of millions of fans, officials said Thursday.
Liverpool set for China debut
Singapore: English Premiership giants Liverpool will kick off an Asian tour next month with their first ever game in China, where they are estimated to have tens of millions of fans, officials said Thursday.
The Reds, will play a friendly against Guangdong Sunray Cave in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou on July 13.