Barcelona say they are in official negotiations with Arsenal to sign Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Spanish giants told BBC Sport that talks with Arsenal over a deal for the midfielder, who is with Spain's World Cup squad, "became formal" on Tuesday.
"An informal conversation with Arsenal became formal on 1 June and now an official approach has been made to the club," said a Barca spokesman.
Arsenal declined to comment when they were contacted by BBC Sport.
