The former Gunners skipper is on holiday after Spain’s Confederations Cup campaign and is pondering his future following a frustrating season at Barcelona.
Publicly, the Spaniard maintains he wants to stay at the Nou Camp, but doubts over how he fits into manager Tito Vilanova’s plans have left him in two minds.
Arsenal are poised should the midfielder decide his future lies away from Barcelona.
The north London club secured a £25million first-option clause as part of the deal that took Fabregas back to Spain so, should Barcelona decide to sell, Arsenal are in prime position.
The Catalan club will not want to lose him given the work they put in when taking him back to Spain.
Arsenal are also stepping up their interest in Swansea defender Ashley Williams following Thomas Vermaelen’s back injury.
The Wales centre back is a key target for Arsene Wenger, but Arsenal have baulked at a £10m asking price.
Daily Mail has revealed that captain Vermaelen is likely to miss the season’s start due to the recurrence of a lower back problem and that leaves the Gunners with only two fit, senior centre halves; Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
Vermaelen will not travel on a pre-season tour to the Far East today as he continues his rehabilitation.
It is feared the Belgium defender could miss up to three months of the season if his problem does not respond well to treatment.
