We all want Cesc - Iniesta

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta insists everyone at the Catalan giants wants Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas to come back to the club.

Fabregas quit Barca as a teenager for the North Londoners and has gone from strength to strength under Arsene Wenger's stewardship.

The 22-year-old is now one of the world's best young midfielders and played his part in Spain's World Cup triumph over the summer.

Iniesta insists Fabregas can take the Spanish champions to yet another level as he is the complete player.

However, Barca still have to reach an agreement with Arsenal, something that seems unlikely given the Gunners' hard-nosed stance on retaining the star.

"We all want him to come because he will help us to go up a level - he's very complete," Fabregas told Barca TV .

"However, he belongs to Arsenal and the two clubs must understand each other (in order for a deal to be done)."

Barca have already added to their squad in the shape of David Villa and Iniesta believes their free-flowing approach will suit his game.

"He will be very happy here - Barcelona's style of play is very well suited to him," he continued.

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Almeida aware of rumours

Hugo Almeida is delighted to hear that Lazio and Real Madrid are monitoring his situation at Werder Bremen.

The Portugal international has spent the last three years in Germany, establishing a reputation as a regular source of goals during that time.

Powerfully built and good in the air, the 26-year-old is also regarded as one of Europe's top target men, marking him out as a useful addition to any side.

Reports continue to suggest that interest in his services is growing by the day, with clubs across the continent keen to bring him on board before the window slams shut.

Serie A outfit Lazio and Primera Liga giants Real are believed to be leading the race for his signature and Almeida admits it is difficult not to pay attention to such reports.

"I know there is interest in me from Lazio," he told Corriere dello Sport .

"They are a great club and would be fantastic for me.

Pride

"It is a team made up of very important players and I would love to play in Italy, especially in Rome.

"I will talk with my agent but until then I cannot say any more.

"Real Madrid? They are a club that anyone would love to play for.

"There have been rumours in the papers and I am proud about that.

"(Jose) Mourinho was one of the most important coaches in my career, as when I was 17 he took me out of the youth team and put me in the Porto first team.

"He's a great coach and I have a lot to thank him for. He allowed me to make a leap forward. The success he has achieved speaks for itself, he is a born winner."

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Villarreal swoop for Marchena

Villarreal have completed the signing of Valencia defender Carlos Marchena on a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old Spain World Cup winner passed a medical on Sunday and will be presented at El Madrigal on Monday.

Marchena will link up with his new squad on Tuesday and join Spain team-mate Joan Capdevila in the Yellow Submarine's defence.

Marchena has been at Valencia for 10 years and during his time at the Mestalla won two La Liga titles, a Uefa Cup, a Copa del Rey and a Super Cup.

The centre-half, who can also play in defensive midfield, has a European Championship title to his name and brings a wealth of experience to his new club.

Formerly of Sevilla and Benfica, Marchena has earned more than 60 caps for Spain and will hope to help improve Villarreal's seventh-place finish last season.

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Spartak pounce for Pareja

Russian giants Spartak Moscow have completed a swoop for Espanyol centre-half Nicolas Pareja, who joins for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old Argentine has spent the last two years in Spain, having moved to Catalunya shortly after helping his country to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

He went on make 58 appearances for Espanyol, scoring three goals and has also turned out for Argentinos Juniors and Anderlecht, where he won the league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Supercup.

Challenge

He admits it was a tough choice to leave Espanyol, after thoroughly enjoying his time with the club, but feels the opportunity to join Spartak was too good to turn down.

Pareja said: "It is a step forward in my career, because I am going to a league that is growing and to a top club playing in the Champions League next season. It is a challenge.

"I feel great sadness for all that I leave here: family, friends and a team that I doubt is like any other.

"All employees of the club have treated me wonderfully. I spent two incredible years here."

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Alonso advice for Pacheco

Liverpool striker Daniel Pacheco is being advised by Xabi Alonso as he considers joining La Liga new boys Real Sociedad.

The Spain Under 19 international only signed a new three-year contract last August, but it would seem that his opportunities are limited at Anfield.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has recently confirmed that Pacheco is a target and the former Barcelona teenager is tempted by a return to his homeland.

"Playing for Sociedad appeals to me," Pacheco is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail . "I have heard good things about the club, the city and the people."

Pacheco has been taking advice from Real Madrid star Alonso, who joined Liverpool in 2004 after five years with Sociedad.

"He (Alonso) has been helping and advising me," he added.

"I've been told good things about the coach. They say he bets on youngsters who have character."

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Messi expects Cesc arrival

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is confident Cesc Fabregas will soon be joining him at Camp Nou.

The Gunners skipper continues to be strongly linked with a big-money move to Catalunya, despite numerous utterances from his current employers that he is not for sale.

Barca have already seen one approach for the Spain international knocked back, but are refusing to let that put them off.

Fabregas has admitted that he would relish the opportunity to return to his roots, having taken his first tentative steps on the road to global fame at Camp Nou.

A collection of current Barca stars have also aired their opinion on the matter, with all of those to have given an opinion suggesting that the 23-year-old will soon be on his way home.

Argentine playmaker and current World Player of the Year Messi is the latest to join the debate and he has echoed the sentiments of his team-mates.

He is adamant that it is only a matter of time before Barce secure Fabregas' signature and admits he cannot wait for that day to arrive.

"It is no secret that Cesc is my friend," Messi told Spanish television station Cuatro .

"The whole world knows that and I would love him to sign for Barca.

"I hope that the matter can be resolved soon and I'm confident that in the end it will be resolved in the way that Cesc can be a Barcelona player."

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Wenger calls for Fab answers

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has called on Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas to end speculation over his future once and for all.

Fabregas' future at Arsenal has been the subject of intense speculation all summer with Barcelona openly coveting the signature of the Spain international.

The 23-year-old is thought to have told Wenger he wants to rejoin his boyhood club before heading off to the World Cup with Spain.

Arsenal have already rejected one bid from Barcelona for the midfield schemer and it has been suggested Fabregas will reiterate his desire to leave when he returns to the club next week.

Wenger has remained adamant throughout the summer that Fabregas would stay at Emirates Stadium as he is under contract for another five seasons.

The Frenchman refused to confirm or deny reports he met face to face with his captain on Friday, but stressed now it was down to Fabregas to put the record straight.

"In the last six months, this story has made our lives difficult," said Wenger.

"At the moment, what is important is that when Cesc comes back, that he comes out.

"For me, I have nothing more to add.

"The conversations with the players have to be private because I cannot come out every time I speak with a player."

Arsenal have also been forced to contend with several Barca players claiming Fabregas wants to join the Spanish giants and Wenger is getting fed up with the transfer saga.

"They [Barcelona] certainly have a case to answer [on allegations of tapping up], but it is always the same - how can you prove it?" added Wenger.

"Puyol is responsible for his own statements, which is why I have said before, only Fabregas can clear the air when he comes back from holiday.

"I cannot master what is written in the newspapers, I can only master our decisions.

"Cesc has five years to go [on his contract] and that's it.

"The speculation does not stop - who can stop the speculation? Only Cesc, that is how I feel.

"We cannot go into a season where every day you read about that.

"He has not played today, we have just played a football game and I sit here speaking about Fabregas."

Wenger is insistent that Fabregas will not be going to Camp Nou as Barcelona have given up the chase for the player.

"Barcelona have given up for a long time. I told you yesterday that what will happen is that Fabregas will stay here," noted Wenger.

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