Barcelona midfielder Xavi has told Arsenal they are only "delaying the inevitable" when it comes to Cesc Fabregas returning to his former club.
Fabregas has been the subject of one unsuccessful bid from the Spanish champions earlier this summer and his future in north London continues to look uncertain.
Manager Arsene Wenger has vowed to fight to keep hold of his captain, who he signed as a raw teenager from Barca back in 2003.
However, Xavi has warned Wenger that he is wasting his time as Fabregas will eventually return to the Camp Nou.
"We know where Cesc wants to be this coming season, but perhaps there is not enough time for Barcelona and Arsenal to agree a deal," Xavi told the Daily Express.
"Arsenal need to understand they are only delaying the inevitable.
"If we don't manage to get his signature this season then Arsenal only really have him on loan for a year – because there is nothing they can do to stop him joining next summer.
"I haven't given up on him joining us this season but, if he doesn't, it won't be more than a year before he is back home.
"His people will have a whole season to sort out the deal between the two clubs and it will happen at the very latest next summer."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email