Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ducked Barcelona officials in South Africa to talk about Cesc Fabregas.
The Mirror says Barcelona president Sandro Rosell flew into South Africa hoping to meet with Wenger and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis before last night's World Cup final.
But Wenger and Gazidis refused to meet with Barcelona this weekend - and have reiterated their message that Fabregas is not for sale at any price.
It is a hammer blow to Barcelona's attempts to sign Fabregas and Arsenal will not back down on the issue, having already turned down an offer of £30m.
Wenger and Gazidis are making the issue a point of principle and, even though Barcelona are likely to make an increased offer of up to £40m, they will find that Arsenal will not enter into discussions let alone sell.
Arsenal insist Fabregas has five years left on his current deal, he extended his contract and therefore the club do not have to sell.
Fabregas, who has avoided talking openly and publicly about the transfer saga, even hinted last week that he may still be at Arsenal next season.
That represents a U-turn on his part and possibly even backtracking to appease the Arsenal fans after realising Wenger is determined not to sell him this summer.
