Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas was keen to move to Barcelona during the last transfer window.

Vermaelen said: "Cesc carries Barcelona in the heart, in his DNA. Therefore it is impossible for him to forget about them.

"He was determined to go to Barça last summer, he more or less confessed it in the dressing room. But that is passed history.

"Now he is 100 per cent ready to put his all in to a great season with Arsenal."