Cesc Fabregas.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona denied Wednesday it is negotiating with, or has reached any agreement to sign, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

"Due to the exceptional repercussions created by news that has appeared in different press concerning an agreement with Arsenal FC player Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona roundly denies any negotiations or agreement with the player," Barcelona said in a statement on its website.

Although Fabregas has been linked in the Spanish press with a move to Barcelona for much of the season, reports of a deal have appeared daily since Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. That loss saw Arsenal, which has not won a trophy since 2005, slip nine points behind leader Chelsea in the Premier League.

Barcelona sports daily Sport said on Wednesday that Barcelona was set to sign the 23-year-old midfielder on a five-year contract.

Fabregas came up through Barcelona's youth academy before moving to the north London club, where he made his debut at the age of 16.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Tuesday that he was not worried about Fabregas' future, despite reports Real Madrid is also looking to sign the player.

"There is no concern at all," Wenger said on Arsenal's Web site. "Cesc is committed when he plays, (so) what's the future? We don't know what will happen in six months, in two years, in five years. Your commitment is when you sign your contract and where you play."