Cesc Fabregas maintains he will not be distracted by his name being used in Barcelona's presidential election campaign.

The Spain international, 22, had his initial schooling within the Nou Camp club, before joining the Gunners as a 15-year-old.

Now, Fabregas - a European Championship winner last summer - is widely regarded as one of the finest players in the world.

Out-going Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted a deal is already in place to bring Fabregas back next summer, seen as a move to undermine the election campaign of old rival Sandro Rosell, with Agusti Benedito also vying for power at the Nou Camp.

However, Fabregas has nothing else on his mind other than delivering for the Gunners.

"It does not affect me at all," said Fabregas, who was speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Standard Liege at Emirates Stadium.

"This [speculation] has been going for years.

"I don't mind really if it happens, it happens - but it will not change the way I think.

"I do not think about it because I do not want to and I do not think I should.

"I am at a great club, with a great team and am happy.

"We have a long season in front of us, and the last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do playing for Arsenal, who are the club which pays me.

"I am really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal."

Asked whether he could envisage staying at Arsenal for the whole of his career, Fabregas said: "Why not?

"I have never really thought about it, staying here all my life, because I am only 22 and you never know what your career will bring - but why not?

"It is my seventh season now, I am really happy, better than ever, so you never know."