ARSENAL have rejected Barcelona’s opening £30m offer for Cesc Fabregas – and told the Spanish giants to come back only when they are serious.

An Arsenal club source last night confirmed to Starsport that a verbal £30m offer from the European champions had been turned down.

But the source added: “There was an offer and it has been turned down flat.

“They have been told to come back when they are serious with a proper offer and we will consider it.”

Barca have been told by Arsenal that they want £60m for club skipper Cesc Fabregas.

In reality they would be prepared to accept something in the region of £40m-£45m because they know the Spanish midfielder wants to quit the Emirates for his boyhood heroes.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola has made Fabregas (right) his No.1 summer target and has chased him since last summer.

The Champions League winners have wanted to offer Arsenal a cash-plus-player deal.

But if they do have to sell, the Premier League side are interested only in cash.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been adamant his skipper will not go.

But the club realise they can only hang on to the midfielder for so long.

Barca are considering upping their offer to £35m, but it is still unlikely to be enough for Arsenal to sell.

Guardiola said: “The priority is Cesc because he is part of our new project. We can’t afford to stand still. But there is only so much money available.”

Barcelona want the deal wrapped up by July 4 but are so confident of landing Fab they have no list of alternative candidates.

Gunners target Chris Samba has told Blackburn to let him quit the club if a big offer comes in for him.

The centre-back has claimed he would leap at the chance to leave if a “good opportunity” arose.

Samba said in France: “I know there are discussions with some clubs.

“If a good opportunity arises, I want to seize it. I hope the club will not put a stick in the wheels.”