Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will spark a bidding war between Barcelona and Real Madrid during the January transfer window.

Accrording to The Daily Express, both Spanish giants are prepared to start a bidding war on Fabregas at £50million.

Fabregas, who has stated his desire to fight for Arsenal's cause, has been repeatedly linked with a move back to Spain for the past three seasons.

But the longer Arsenal remain trophyless, the more Fabregas will be linked with a move away from the Emirates.

If he does move, it has been reported that Barcelona, the club where he started his youth career, would be clear favourites. Marca has claimed the club's vice president, Sandro Rosell, has had positive talks with Arsenal's hierarchy.

But Real Madrid have been encouraged by an interview Fabregas gave last summer when he said:

"Naturally my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid - they love me, they want me to be happy."