Barcelona president Juan Laporta has made his most audacious attempt so far to court Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Laporta admitted that he would love to have Fabregas in his Barca squad, and seemingly encouraged the midfielder to demand a move to Cataluña.

Fabregas has strong ties to the Spanish and European champions, having joined Arsenal in 2003 from Barca's La Masia youth academy, right before the Catalans offered him a contract.

"As I've said many times, Cesc has Barcelona in his DNA and I think that one day he should play for Barca," Laporta said.

"We all like him very much - he's always been in our thoughts."

The 22-year-old would cost Barca £40million, but would serve to put one over on arch rivals Real Madrid, who are also openly making approaches for the player.

For his part, Fabregas has done little to cool the transfer rumors, even giving an interview to Spanish news agency EFE in which he derided Arsenal's "impotence" at winning titles, comments which he later retracted on the club's website.

Further comments again stirred up controversy though, particularly when the Spaniard claimed his Catalan parents, themselves staunch Barca supporters, would understand if he joined Madrid.

Wenger has taken steps to strengthen his midfield in the increasingly likely event of Fabregas leaving, with the Frenchman tying up contracts for young stars Jack Wilshere, 17, and Aaron Ramsey, 18.

Wilshere is the youngest player ever to represent Arsenal in both league and European competition, and Wenger was delighted with the signing.

"It is great news that Jack has signed," Wenger said.

"He made great progress last season and we all witnessed what a great young talent he is."