Strike, Cesc

BARCELONA want Cesc Fabregas to go on strike next week to force a cut-price move from Arsenal.

The Gunners face a nail-biting wait to see if their skipper turns up for the first day of pre-season training a week today.

Barcelona have had a £27million bid turned down and are unlikely to meet Arsenal's £40m valuation.

If Fabregas refuses to join up with his team-mates, it will put Arsenal under enormous pressure to finally sell to the Catalan giants.

Although sources close to Fabregas say he has no intention of forcing an acrimonious exit from North London, it is clear that is precisely what Barca expect him to do.

But such a move could backfire spectacularly if Arsenal hold firm.

It will also shatter the image of loyalty Cesc has tried to cultivate despite publicly admitting he dreams of returning home to Barca.

Arsenal insist they will let go of their talismanic captain only if Barcelona meet their demands.

But Barca's £27m bid was instantly dismissed by chief executive Ivan Gazidis.