Iniesta: We'd be Fab with Cesc

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has expressed his belief that he, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas can operate as a successful midfield trio.

Iniesta's comments follow reports emerging in Spain that Barca have upped their pursuit of Arsenal captain Fabregas.

Iniesta: Believes he, Xavi and Fabregas can work

The UEFA Champions League holders targeted Fabregas last summer but failed to have a bid accepted by the Gunners.

It is suggested a fee in the region of £40million could tempt Arsenal this year, amid claims Fabregas' agent may meet with Barca this weekend.

Iniesta told ONA FM: "(The signing of Cesc) is a matter of Arsenal and Barcelona, ​​we cannot do anything.

"Xavi, Cesc and I are not incompatible. If he comes, the team level will be better."

Barca defender Gerard Pique, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire to be reunited with Fabregas, whom he played alongside at youth level at the Spanish giants.

Pique said in The Sun: "I would like him to. It's my wish for that to happen. I can't be clearer.

"He is a Barcelona fan and has been his whole life and he would love to come. It would be very, very good for us.

"Last year it looked like he would come but he didn't. Now it looks like he could again but we have to wait. I hope the people in the offices can work well and can bring him in this time.

"I have said before and I still do that my hope is that one day he will play for Barcelona.

"I would love to have him alongside me because as well as a good person, he is a great player.

"I would love him to be here this year or if not then next year. He would give us more.

"I haven't spoken to him recently. I don't know how Arsenal set up are economically but I do know that he is a great player and a real friend of mine and he is a Barcelona player - he has been in the youth system here and he knows what we are about. He could perform perfectly here."

Van Persie critical of player attitudes

Robin van Persie believes the behaviour of some of his "English colleagues" may hamper Arsenal's chances to win the Premier League next season due to their party lifestyle.

GettyImagesRobin Van Persie points the finger of blame at "English colleagues"

Van Persie says players must have pure motivation in order to win titles, something Arsenal have struggled to do in recent years, and questions whether young English players have that drive.

"The really top players aren't fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football. For me, it's very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn't be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night. When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33."

The Dutchman said in order for the Gunners to be in contention next season, they must learn from the mistakes of recent campaigns and add depth to their current playing roster over the summer.

"Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating," said Van Persie. "When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn't be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.

"Sometimes you have to eat the truth and be realistic. But I do believe with the signing of a number of players, then next season we should be in there competing for prizes."