Arsene Wenger angry at 'disrespectful' Xavi

Xavi (above) said Cesc Fabregas was 'suffering' because he was not being allowed to join Barcelona (Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Barcelona midfielder Xavi for claiming Cesc Fabregas is "suffering" at the Premier League club.

Arsenal rejected bids from Barcelona for the Spanish international last year and the European champions have again been linked with a move for Fabregas this close-season but Wenger was adamant that he would not lose his captain.

"I believe a mutual respect between the clubs should stop this kind of comment," Wenger told the Guardian newspaper after his team beat a Malaysia XI 4-0 at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

"It is very disrespectful and it is not the first time that Xavi has been disrespectful to Arsenal Football Club," said the Frenchman.

"What is important is that Cesc Fabregas is contracted to Arsenal Football Club. That is a fact. Arsenal want to keep him."

Earlier, Xavi told a news conference in Catalunya that former Barcelona trainee Fabregas, who is missing from the ongoing Asia tour with a muscle injury, was desperate to return to the club he left as a 16-year-old in 2003 .

"I spoke to Cesc in Ibiza and he said he was suffering, because he really wants to come," Xavi said.

"It's what he most wants, he's done everything he can to come and wants Arsenal to let him go."