Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants Cesc Fabregas to stop touting himself to Barcelona.
The Spain midfielder, 23, was not part of the squad for Saturday afternoon's Emirates Cup opener against AC Milan, which finished 1-1, as, along with Holland striker Robin van Persie, Fabregas was given extra time off following the World Cup final.
Before he departed for South Africa, Fabregas is understood to have told Wenger of his desire to leave and rejoin boyhood club Barcelona.
"In the last six months, this story has made our lives difficult," Wenger said.
"At the moment, what is important is that when Cesc comes back, that he comes out.
"For me, I have nothing more to add.
"The conversations with the players have to be private because I cannot come out every time I speak with a player."
