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LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had called on Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas to end the transfer talk by pledging his future to the Gunners.
Wenger rejected Barca's 30 million pounds bid for Fabregas before the World Cup and has made it clear he will not give in to the Spain midfielder's desire to rejoin his former club.
The French coach is fed up of constant speculation Fabregas will get his wish to join Barca either this season or in a year's time and he wants his captain to kill off the rumours for good when he returns to training next week.
Wenger refused to deny reports that he met Fabregas on Friday to discuss the situation and now he has told his prize asset to show his commitment to the club.
"I cannot confirm or deny anything. These conversations have to be private," Wenger said.
"What is clear is this story in the last six months has made our lives difficult.
"At the moment what is important is when Cesc comes back he comes out to talk. Only Fabregas can clear the air when he comes back from holiday.
"The speculation doesn't stop. Who can stop it? Only him. That is how I feel. You cannot go into a season where you read about it every day.
"We have played a match in which Fabregas didn't feature and we still talk about him."
Wenger also hinted that he would consider making an official complaint against Barca for tapping up Fabregas if he could find enough evidence to support his case.
"They (Barcelona) have a case to answer but it is always the same. How do you prove it?" he added.
While Wenger was once again distracted by the Fabregas situation, he could at least reflect on an impressive showing from new signing Marouane Chamakh.
The Moroccan striker marked his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium with a cool first half strike in Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw with AC Milan and Wenger was delighted with the former Bordeaux star's display.
"It was a good first game. He has a good presence up front and did a good intelligent game," Wenger said.
"I believe he and (fellow new signing) Laurent Koscielny did very well."
Wenger also praised teenage English midfielder Jack Wilshere for a composed performance against experienced Milan stars Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf.
"He has individual quality but what is also impressive is he is a fighter who is not afraid of anyone," Wenger said.
"He was at Bolton on loan last season and they wanted to take him again. I'm sure I could find plenty of clubs who would have him, but my decision at the moment is to keep him." - AFP/fa
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