Messi and Fabregas, who played together in the Barcelona youth team, are finally set to play together again.

One of the most protracted transfer saga's in football history is finally coming to an after Arsenal and Barcelona confirmed that they had agreed a deal for Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

For a fee believed to be around the region of £35 million, which is understood to include £30 million up front with remaining £5 million being based on his performance at Barcelona and the trophies he might win, Fabregas will move to the Catalans after both clubs announced that an agreement had been reached in "principle".

The BBC Sport reports that the player has started the first of two medicals at the Catalan club, and is set to be unveiled at 1200 GMT, after discussing personal terms with the club.

Fabregas could even make his debut in the Supercopa second leg on Wednesday against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's manager, confirmed the news to the club's website, "We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc to leave and that remains the case. However, we understand Cesc's desire to move to his home-town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success."

Fabregas, who left Barcelona as a 16-year-old, is now set to return to his home and has been pushing for the movefor the last two years. Arsenal had rejected two bids from Barcelona last summer, but have now realized the futility of doing so to player whose heart lies elsewhere.

The agreement brings to an end the most high-profile transfer saga in recent times. The move looked imminent when the player was omitted from Arsenal's squad for the Premier League opener against Newcastle United. Rumours were rife amongst the Spanish press on Friday that the player had been signed, with tweets from Barcelona player's welcoming Fabregas, adding to speculation. However their celebrations proved to be premature as the deal was confirmed only two days later.

Barcelona announced the news during the half-time interval of the Supercopa match against Real Madrid.

Fábregas has made 303 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 57 goals and was named the club's captain in November 2008.

Samir Nasri is set to follow Fabregas out of the club as he is reportedly close to joining Manchester City.

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