The Gunners captain's future has been the subject of speculation all summer, with Barca making clear in public terms their desire to bring him back to the Nou Camp after coming through the Catalan club's academy.

However, his immediate future now appears to be at the Emirates Stadium and he said today: "I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me.

"I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.

" I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal."

mfl