Arsenal arrive in KL for the 2011 Asian Tour

English Premier League giants Arsenal flew into Kuala Lumpur to kick-start their AsianTour 2011 in Malaysia with Arsene Wenger cancelling out rumours that Fabregas could be leaving.

Hours after arrival, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was at a press conference and obviously the first question shot at the Frenchman was about his "wantaway" captain Cesc Fabregas.

"He is not here because he is injured. That is why he was left behind to recover," said Wenger.

When pressed further on the Spaniard, who has been linked to European champions Barcelona, Wenger shot back: "There is always speculation... too many headlines. But we never speak about what is happening behind closed doors."

Asked about Samir Nasir, who has been strongly linked to Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City but is with the team in Kuala Lumpur, Wenger said: "Samir is very happy and I hope yes... he will sign a new contract."

"Some of the internationals have just come back. We want to be as fit as possible. We decided to come to Asia which is a bit more demanding physically. We left some of the new signings as there is no training here.

"We are coming back in Malaysia after 12 years and we are aware of our strong fan base in Asia. Our matches in Malaysia and China are to give fun, pleasure and enjoyment to our fans and to the people who come to watch us play."

"This is our first match together after the break. Some of the internationals have just come back from duty but this tour means a lot to us. To our fans we will give fun, pleasure and enjoyment to the people who come to watch us play."

Meanwhile national football head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal said it will be a "learning experience" for Malaysia against the Gunners as they prepare for the second round World Cup qualifying matches against Singapore.

"We are not like Arsenal signing new players. But we... my players and me... are very excited playing Arsenal.

This match and the one against Liverpool (July 16) will allow me to assess my players. Arsenal is an offensive and entertaining team. I hope my players will be able to dish out the same," said Rajagobal."It will be a learning experience for us and where we can take advantage we will have to take them."

Arsene Wenger

Samir Nasri