With Arsenal's resolve softening, Barcelona plan to make a £35 million offer for Cesc Fábregas to snap him up from the Emirates.

According to reports in the Guardian, the Catalans believe that an improved offer should be enough to bring home their prodigal son.

The La Liga and European champions had two bids for the player turned down so far- one of £ 40 million last summer, and another £27 million this month.

However, they believe that they can force Arsenal's hand with this offer, as the player himself is keen on a return home to Spain. Further reports in the Sun indicate that the La Liga side have also put pressure on Fabregas himself to push for a move, as the player is in Spain currently, and Barcelona are hoping that the Spaniard will go on strike and not return to England for Arsenal's pre-season preparations.

It is clear that the Barcelona squad is expecting Fabregas' return this summer, and Sergio Busquets said: "Every year it's the same. This year he seems to be getting closer. I wish this year is the definitive one and we can have Cesc by our side."

What worsens matters for manager Arsene Wenger is that the club are set to depart on a mini-tour of Malaysia and China, and their trip could be side-tracked by this latest development, should a deal not be concluded sooner than later.

Wenger will also be keen to conclude any deal for the Spaniard quickly, as he has plans to bring in Lille striker Gervinho, and two centre-halves, rumoured to be in the form of either Bolton's Gary Cahill, Everton's Phil Jagielka, or Chris Samba from Blackburn Rovers. 

If Fabregas does leave, the Frenchman is considering moves for Velez Sarsfield's Ricardo Alvarez and Valencia's Juan Mata.

He could also gun for Bayer Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal to replace either Fabregas or Samir Nasri, according to reports in talkSport. However, Arsenal will have to fight off interest from AC Milan, who have already made a £9 million bid.

Espnstar.com