Fabregas to remain with Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has snubbed a move to Real Madrid and pledged his future to Arsenal.

The midfielder, arguably the Gunners' prize asset following the departure of Thierry Henry, revealed he had held talks with the Spanish giants.

The 20-year-old, one of Arsene Wenger's best signings when he arrived for nothing from Barcelona four years ago, was flattered by Real's interest.

"I'm very grateful to Real and it is an honor that such a great club is interested in me," he told The Sun. "But after the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona, I couldn't leave Arsenal in the lurch. I spoke to Real's president Ramon Calderon and sport director Predrag Mijatovic, and they are spectacular people."

"It was very satisfying to listen to them as Real Madrid is a great club, but I have decided to stay at Arsenal. I had a long talk with Wenger. He is someone I can talk to about anything."

Henry claims he decided to leave Arsenal because Wenger had not committed his future to the club beyond next summer, when his contract expires.

But Fabregas is not worried about such things.

"I have total confidence in the boss that he will sign a new deal," he said. "Wenger believes in this team and has a lot of confidence in the squad. I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve - and I want to do that with this team. I will try to win titles with Arsenal and give my all to Arsene Wenger. I will always be grateful to him for giving me my chance."

Now Fabregas is hoping Arsenal continues to spend this summer to help make up for the loss of Henry, and he believes the striker's new teammate Samuel Eto'o would be the perfect replacement.

"I would try to sign Eto'o - he would be the ideal replacement for Henry," Fabregas said. "I know it's difficult, maybe impossible, but it would be the perfect solution."