Denilson has said that he thinks skipper Cesc Fabregas will remain at Arsenal next season, despite incessant speculation linking him with Barcelona.

The Spain international, who joined Arsenal from the Catalan club in 2003, has long been linked with a return to his former side, with a number of Barcelona stars having publicly supported the move.

While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been reluctant to sell his star unless the Spanish champions meet his asking price, Denilson - currently on-loan at Sao Paulo - doesn't believe the 24-year-old will leave.

"I think it's very important because the fans, the staff at Arsenal, everyone loves Cesc," he told Sky Sports. "I think he's going to stay."

The Brazilian, who requested to return to former club Sao Paulo this summer, insists that he already misses the Gunners and hopes to be back next year.

"I miss London," he continued. "I miss Arsenal. I lived there for five years, it's a long time for me. But I think next season I'll be back."

Denilson made 96 appearances in five seasons with Arsenal, scoring seven goals.