Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas was forced into a dramatic U-turn on Friday as his protracted transfer back to boyhood club Barcelona spluttered to its conclusion.

Told on Friday morning that a £35million deal had finally been agreed, Fabregas was on his way to Heathrow with a view to catching a flight to Spain when he received a phone call from Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola asking him to turn around.

Guardiola remains delighted at Fabregas’s imminent signing but was unhappy that on the eve of the team’s first important match of the season — Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup first leg in Madrid — the midfielder’s movements were overshadowing preparations. Fabgregas had said goodbye to Arsenal teammates and texted friends and family in Barcelona.

The call was made to Fabregas suggesting he delay his arrival in Spain until Sunday. It is understood Arsenal were also unhappy at what they saw as Barcelona claiming the deal was done when some details were still to be agreed on. His arrival will give his new teammates a much-needed lift. They fell to several defeats in pre-season, losing to both Manchester United and Mexican side Chivas.