CESC FABREGAS will not be bullied by Barcelona into handing in a written transfer request to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Barcelona are becoming increasingly desperate in their attempt to land Fabregas after Arsenal rejected a £30million offer and refused to negotiate.Fabregas told Wenger of his desire to quit the Emirates for a return to the Nou Camp in a face-to-face meeting ahead of the World Cup.

Barca believe a written transfer request may force the Gunners to relent. Despite still wanting to rejoin Barca, however, Fabregas is not willing to show Arsenal any disrespect and believes a written transfer request would be a step too far.

With it looking increasingly likely he will have to stick with the Gunners for at least another year, sources close to Fabregas have told him not to burn his bridges and make a return to the Emirates for the coming season uncomfortable.

He is due back at Arsenal next week after being granted extended leave, along with fellow World Cup finalist Robin van Persie. And Wenger has warned that it may take Spain international Fabregas and Holland striker Van Persie until September to start reproducing their best form.

Wenger, though, believes the omission of Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri from the England and France World Cup squads will work to his side’s advantage. “Walcott and Nasri are certainly highly motivated,” said Wenger. “They recovered well from the disappointment and the best answer is always to show how hungry you are on the pitch.”

Wenger looks set to disappoint Bolton and Newcastle and stop Jack Wilshere going out on loan, at least until January. But Wilshere, 18, will not be satisfied playing as a substitute. “I just want to play,” said Wilshere. “I’ll speak to the boss and see what happens.”