Arsenal have blanked a formal approach from Barcelona to open talks over a deal for Cesc Fabregas.
The Daily Mail says Arsenal have risked alienating Cesc after refusing to discuss their skipper's transfer with Barcelona on Wednesday night.
Representatives of the Catalan giants made contact with the north London club, only to be told Cesc is not for sale.
The snub is sure to infuriate the Spain midfielder after he hinted earlier in the day that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was sympathetic to his plight and that his return to his boyhood club was simply a matter of time.
It is also likely to see Barca crank up the pressure on the player to openly express his determination to conclude his seven years in England.
Despite Arsenal's intransigence, Barcelona are steadfastly pursuing Fabregas, although they have no intention of meeting an £80million valuation.
While the communication lines are closed between the clubs, an opening bid in the region of £30m - Barca have set an upper limit of £38m - is sure to be forthcoming.