Barcelona are preparing to make a new offer for Cesc Fabregas and are reportedly hoping to complete a deal for the Arsenal captain in the next fortnight
As reported over the weekend, the Spanish champions are lining up a new bid for the 24-year-old after having an initial offer - believed to be worth somewhere between £27-30million - turned down by the Gunners.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Barca will now make a £31m bid for the Spain international and are hoping that they can complete the signing of Fabregas within a fortnight.
The Spanish giants have spent the last two years trying to convince Arsenal to sell their skipper and allow him to return to his boyhood club.
But according to Monday's report, a deal could now hinge on whether Arsenal are able to sign Velez Sarsfield playmaker Ricardo Alvarez.
Inter Milan are believed to be trying hijack Arsenal's move for Alvarez after Arsene Wenger was previously thought to be closing in on the signing of the 23-year-old (see below).
Arsenal insist Fabregas is not for sale, but it is thought that they will be willing to sell should the player state he wants to move and should their valuation - believed to be around £40m - be met.
But the Catalan club are seemingly hopeful of reaching a compromise and will be hoping that the Premier League club can sign Alvarez in the coming days in order for the deal to go ahead.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has already said that the club will not pay more than £35.5m for Fabregas.
