Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that he did not reject the opportunity to sign Cesc Fabregas last summer.

Fabregas made a shock move to Chelsea at the start of the season and Arsenal fans were baffled by the decision as the Gunners had inserted a buy-back option on the midfielder's deal when they sold him to Barcelona a few seasons ago.

It was later claimed by Fabregas that he actually wanted to make a return to Arsenal but manager Wenger decided not to take up the option.

However ahead of Fabregas' return to the Emirates for the first time as a Chelsea player - Wenger has moved on to refute such claims and has stated that the Spaniard's move to Stamford Bridge was agreed long before the summer transfer window.

"I believe his decision was already made," said Wenger. "I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014. I didn't speak to him directly.

"I was informed that he might go to Chelsea, but when I was informed I thought the deal was already done."