The Spain international completed a €36 million move to Chelsea in the summer but the 64-year-old claims that his former captain was keen to return to the Gunners

The former Gunners captain spent spent eight years in north London before his move to Barcelona, but after falling out of favour he switch to Stamford Bridge in a €36 million deal in the summer - a transfer Wenger believes was agreed in early 2014.

Yet Wenger holds no animosity towards Fabregas, and insists that he "loves" the Spain international, despite choosing not to activate the buy-back clause in the star's Barca contract.

When asked if Fabregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger told reporters: "Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.

"I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.

"Cesc Fabregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fabregas.

"He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves."

Wenger was asked to address the speculation regarding Lukas Podolski, after the Germany international hinted he would leave the Emirates Stadium if his desire to play regularly is not satisfied.

The striker has played just 128 minutes this term and said "a change must occur" if he did not play more often.

"It is quite simple. There is no transfer market at the moment," Wenger explained.

"We are all on board to get a result on Sunday."

The Frenchman also revealed that Aaron Ramsey will be out of action for several weeks after suffering an injury against Tottenham.

"I've been told he could be out for three to four weeks, so I count four," he added.