Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has finally joined Barcelona in a �35m deal.

In a statement on the club’s website, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “We have been clear that we didn’t want Cesc to leave and that remains the case.

“However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona.

“We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.”

It comes after two years of speculation around Fabregas’ future, with the midfielder having been repeatedly linked with a return to the club he left in 2003 aged 16.

There could be yet more bad news for Arsenal in the coming days, with fellow midfielder Samir Nasri also expected to leave the Emirates and complete a big-money move to Manchester City.