Barcelona close in on Cesc Fabregas

Barcelona have made a fresh approach for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, according to Sky Sports News.

The Catalan club are believed to be confident that a deal can be wrapped up before the weekend following an increased bid.

Arsenal previously rejected the club's €35m (£30.7m) offer and are believed to be standing firm over their £40m valuation for the Spanish midfielder.

The Gunners are thought to want an agreement for any sale to be reached soon in order to allow time to find a replacement before the summer transfer window closes on August 31.

Fabregas, 24, who has been included in boss Arsene Wenger's UEFA Champions League squad to face Udinese, joined Arsenal as a teenager from Barcelona in 2003 and has made over 300 appearances for the Gunners.