Arsenal 'reject' Barcelona's £31m offer for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal have reportedly turned down Barcelona's £31 million opening bid for Cesc Fabregas.

Barca vp Josep Maria Bartomeu flew to Manchester for talks with Gunners chief exec Ivan Gazidis, according to The Mirror, but made an unsuccessful first offer.

The newspaper reports that the club are relaxed about the potential deal and will not let their captain go for less than £45 million.

Earlier this week it was claimed that Fabregas, 24, is "doing everything he can" to return to the club he left for the Emirates eight years ago.

Meanwhile, fresh press reports in Italy have speculated that Fabregas could move to AC Milan after owner Adriano Galliani hinted at the imminent unveiling of a "surprise signing".