Wenger rejects Fabregas reports

Arsene Wenger has denied Arsenal have opened negotiations over a new contract with Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas, whose current deal with the Gunners expires in 2014, revealed on Thursday that the club has sought talks over fresh terms.

But Wenger insists the Spain midfielder was simply voicing his commitment to the club and said: "At the moment there are no talks. What he wanted to say is that he is committed to the future here."

He added "He was interviewed by Spanish radio and that's all he wanted to say."

Wenger is surprised at the ferocity of the backlash against the Premier League's proposal to play a 39th game abroad each season from 2011.

The plan has received universal condemnation with FIFA president Sepp Blatter the latest dissenting voice, declaring it will "never happen".

But Wenger insists the idea should be investigated properly before being written off.

"I'm surprised by the immensity of the battle from people who are against it without really analysing the pros and cons," he said.

"For me the biggest disrespect to the fans is to take money out of their pockets without giving them something of quality.

"I can understand a lot of resistance because there are problems that have to be erased, but you cannot say that a competitive game is disrespectful to fans. Friendly games for huge prices are disrespectful to fans."