Rapid resolution wanted over Fabregas and Nasri

Barcelona had a £27m offer rebuffed earlier in the summer, with Arsenal steadfast in their demands over a £40m fee for their captain.

However, with the European champions not willing to significantly up their cash bid, and Wenger admitting the player was unsettled, it appears as if Arsenal will have to allow the deal to go through for less than they had wanted.

Reports have suggested a deal – understood to include a down payment of £27m with an additional £5.2m in performance-based add-ons – will be pushed through ahead of this weekend’s league opener at Newcastle.

Wenger confirmed to Arsenal Player: “That is completely the truth. We hope it will be sorted out very quickly one way or the other. We will know very quickly.”

Nasri, meanwhile, has yet to pen a new deal, and so could leave for nothing next summer.

Manchester City are reported to be ready to bid up to £25m for the France midfielder.

Wenger said: “Again it is very difficult to speak about possible transfers. Ideally you want it to be sorted out before the season starts.”