Arsenal slammed for signing 'new Fabregas'
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Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has criticized Arsenal for signing a 16-year-old midfielder from the club's youth school, saying the deal was "immoral."
Jon Miquel Toral Harper, who turned 16 on February 5, has been hailed in Spain as the new Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal captain who left Barca's youth school for London at the same age in September 2003.
Rosell said in an interview with Catalan television late on Wednesday that club officials had told Arsenal counterparts before last week's Champions League last-16 first leg they were unhappy with the way the deal was conducted.
Spanish media have reported it was brokered by Barca coach Pep Guardiola's brother, who is a soccer agent.
"It's very important to keep this group of young lads together with a grounding in our way of playing football," Rosell said. "We don't like it when other clubs come with offers of money just before the (player's) 16th birthday," he added. "It's legal but a little immoral."
Rosell was also asked whether Barcelona will make another effort to bring Fabregas back to the club during the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old Spain international is seen as an ideal replacement for playmaker Xavi, who turned 31 in January.
"Barca must have the best possible team and we have to fulfil the requests from the technical staff without forgetting the economic situation and that Barca has to pay salaries and costs," Rosell said. "If Cesc comes, because the technical staff want him and he wants to, the club members would accept it."
Meanwhile, Sebastien Squillaci's early goal gave the Gunners a 1-0 win over Stoke to move within one point of Premier League leader Manchester United.
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