Brazilian Roberto Carlos says Arsenal must keep Fabregas

Brazil former superstar Roberto Carlos faces Arsenal tonight for Fenerbahce in the Champions League - insisting that the Gunners must not allow spanish player Cesc Fabregas to leave the club.

The brazilian defender is looking forward to the challenge of Arsenal in Istanbul tonight.

However, there has recently been much speculation about the future of Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the club - even though the Catalan himself has been at pains to correct mis-quotes and reaffirm his commitment to the Gunners.

Carlos is in no doubt that Cesc's exit would be a devastating blow for manager Arsene Wenger.

He told The Sun: “When people think about Arsenal they talk about Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie but for me the key player for them is Fabregas.

“The young Spaniard is a fabulous player and key to the team. They are a very offensive outfit but they need a creator and Fabregas does that, as well as defend well.

“Cesc Fabregas is the player we will have to watch the most in this game because it is one we need to win.

“He would be a great loss to Arsenal if he ever left the club."

Roberto Carlos has also warned Arsenal that it will be tough for them in Istanbul.

He said: “People might look at where we are in the group [bottom, to Arsenal's top] and think that we are easy to beat but that is not the case.

“The Gunners have a lot of injuries in their team so they will have a few inexperienced players and the atmosphere at our stadium could be a real shock for them.”

Cesc Fabregas will stay despite being tempted by European big clubs

Spanihs talented footballer Cesc Fabregas has reiterated that he is keen to stay at Arsenal at the moment but admitted that he would be keen to return to play for Barcelona during his career.

The Catalan player has been strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates in the opening weeks of the new campaign in both the English and Spanish media.

While FC Barcelona are not keen to make a move without knowing that he would certainly say yes, Cesc sought to ward off any approach by the club by stating that he is still keen to play for the Gunners.

"Right now I am happy at Arsenal, but I cannot deny that returning to my country to play for Barça would be the realisation of a dream," Sport quote him as saying.

"Last summer I chose to stay in London and at the moment I am sure that it was the right decision and I hope to win trophies here."

Coming from a Barcelona-supporting family in Arenys del Mar, north of the Catalan capital, Cesc still watches the Blaugrana whenever he can and is pleased with what he is seeing this season.

"The fact is that Barça are producing some fantastic football that is always great to watch," he explained.

Sport believe that if Arsenal fall short again this season then a move by Barça could prove to be too tempting for Fabregas, who has stated in the past that the north London club need to strengthen.