BARCELONA — Spanish soccer giant Barcelona confirmed that it is still hopeful of concluding deals to sign Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas, Sky Sports reported Wednesday.

Both deals have been ongoing for weeks, as Barca tries to hammer out terms with Udinese and Arsenal, respectively.

Although the club did admit that signing a forward was a priority, suggesting that it would like to do a deal for Sanchez first, it also confirmed that English Premier League side Arsenal is talking terms over Fabregas.

“This year, Arsenal has agreed to negotiate, and we are working on it,” coach Pep Guardiola said. “Barcelona has made an offer, Arsenal another, and we have time until Aug. 31, and we’ll try to reach an agreement. It is easier for Cesc in this way because he fits the template, but I know these things cannot always be done.”

He added that the club has enough money to sign both Fabregas and Sanchez.

“The club has saved money to try to sign him,” he said. “We will try until the end try to bring him. I hope that eventually everything can be arranged. But sometimes things cannot be done. We will fight to the end to try to get Cesc because we believe he will improve the team and the squad.”Read more: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7047409,00.html