Barcelona midfielder Xavi has indicated that he is positive his club will land Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas.

The Blaugrana have long been credited with an interest in Fabregas, but Arsenal's determination to keep hold of their prized asset has prevented the deal from happening.

However, it appears the north London club are now willing to enter the negotiation table for Fabregas as coach Arsene Wenger looks to use the funds generated to sign Bordeaux star Yoann Gourcuff.

Quizzed on whether he was sure that Fabregas would sign for Barcelona, where the 23-year-old began his career as a trainee, Xavi told Sport: "Yes, certainly. And it also has to be like this.

"Two years ago I said Cesc would end up playing for Barcelona and now I have it more clear than ever. He'll definitley stay - even free betting websites won't let you bet on it!

"He has also expressed publicly that he wants to come to Barcelona and when a player wants to move to some place he ends up going. It is clear that Cesc will come to Barcelona."