They do also confirm that Barcelona are appealing to FIFA to have the deal cancelled. But seeing as he was not under contract to Barca (too young), and this is his first pro contract, we would have though that the most they'll get is compensation (they already got Gio, that should be enough!).

Cesc was top scorer and player-of-the-tournament in the World U17 Championships that have just finnished.

See here for more on Cesc if you haven't been following the story.

Thanks to the many Arseweb readers who told us about the L'Equipe story. And especially to an anonymous Finnish journo and Gunner who sent the following appraisal....

"The reason I'm writing to you is the young Spaniard called Cesc. I know my world is made of red and white, but I can honestely say I've never ever in my life seen as promising youngster as Cesc. He is an absolutely incredible talent - as he has demonstrated in U17 World Championships here in Finland."

"Somebody said in your website that he is bit like Vieira, but he is not: he is rather a combination of Chippy Brady and Manu Petit. His greatest assets are his vision, the way he sees the field and reads the game, and his technique: he can give inch perfect passes - either long ones or short ones. Some of his passes are breathtaking, but he mainly uses very simple passes."

"He has an excellent shot, and also has an eye for the goal: he was the joint top scorer in the tournament with 5 goals, and could have scored couple of more. He is right footed, but he can pass and shoot the ball with his left as well."

"Of course he had lot of space and room in the tournament and you can't compare the tempo of the games to that high speed drama in the Premierhip. He is not extremely fast - with the ball or without the ball, but he is very common with one touch passes. He can tackle, but you can't compare him to PV4."

"If Arsenal really do sign him, it could well be the similiar kind of a coup like the ones of Vieira and Henry. In Spain team almost every move was played through him and he was clearly their main playmaker (although he started the tournament on the bench). "

"However, I wouldn't be suprised if in Arsenal he would play in the same role as Dennis Bergkamp. In England you need two central midfielders who both can play to both directions. Cesc is a brilliant talent, but he is not a defensive midfielder in the way PV4, Gilberto or old Ray are. Of course he can still learn those qualities, but it would make more sense to build on his ability to score goals."

"Cesc is the youngest player in Spain team. He was born on May 4 1987 and is still only 16, so it surely will take an other 2-3 years before the big breakthrough."

"But the potential is there.
And it is unique."

Spain lost the final 1-0 to Brazil on Saturday. According to the FIFA.com report, Spain finally came up against a team capable of keeping Cesc quiet for periods, but the midfielder still managed to get into position for 2 of their best chances.