BARCELONA are ready to plan a move for Mikel Arteta having grown frustrated at their attempts to prise Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal.

The Spanish giants have been linked with a Fabregas all summer despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger having stated the midfielder will not be allowed to depart during the transfer window.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest EFC news by clicking here.

Fabregas spoke last week about being torn between moving to Barcelona, where he started out as a youngster, or staying at Arsenal, where his career has blossomed since arriving as a 16-year-old seven years ago.

Barcelona, though, are losing patience with the current impasse and have drawn up alternative transfer options should they miss out on their preferred target.

And reports in Spain claim that high on the Catalans’ list is Arteta, who has already been in strong demand this summer.

Manchester City are still contemplating a big-money move for the Spanish schemer, Sevilla have also sounded an interest while, ironically, Arsenal are thought to have pinpointed the 28-year-old as the replacement for Fabregas should he leave for the Camp Nou.