Cesc to force Gunners’ hands and other red-hot gossip

Cesc Fabregas is refusing to give up on his dream move to Barcelona but may be forced to submit an official transfer request to force his exit from Arsenal. The Gunners have so far refused to entertain any prospect of their talismanic captain returning to his hometown club and have already turned down a £29m offer from the Catalan giants. Elsewhere, Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano won’t be featuring in the EPL next season after choosing to remain with La Liga team Seville; West Ham remain in the hunt for Nice striker Loic Remy, but may face competition from Liverpool for the £12m-rated player; and Manchester City representatives claim they are close to securing a £35m-deal for Inter Milan's 19-year-old striker Mario Balotelli.