Barcelona's Lionel Messi has urged Cesc Fabregas to come to Camp Nou and become the "greatest midfielder in the world".

"Everybody at Barcelona knows about Cesc Fabregas," Messi said in The People. "He is one of the greatest midfield players in the world and the sort of player who would suit the Barcelona style of football.

"If he chooses to leave Arsenal I am sure it would be for Barcelona.

"And, if there is any doubt, I would like to say to him this is the best football club in the world - and if he came here I am sure he would become the greatest midfield player in the world within three years.

"If he came now he could learn off players like Andres (Iniesta) and Xavi, who are the best central midfield pairing in the world."

Fabregas, meanwhile, has hailed the methods of Arsene Wenger.

"He speaks to each player after team meetings and tells us what he expects of us at every level," Fabregas told the News of the World. "He's always told me I need to be better at defending. I know I've got a lot to learn and a lot to give to the team in that area.

"I know it's a point I should be stronger in if I have the ambition to be a complete midfielder. And I have to keep working on my passing, improving with every day.

"He'll never be 100 per cent happy. And if he sees that you've reached a certain level, he'll come and see you about it and show you a video to tell you where you can do better."

Arsenal have made a fine start to their Premier League campaign, although Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland left them eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Fabregas is confident the Gunners can challenge for top spot but admits it will be difficult in an increasingly competitive division.

He said: "The Premier League is a competition I really want to win. It's very special and a dream I want to fulfil.

"To be champions of England would be one of the best moments in my life, for sure.

"It's difficult to say who'll win it right now. Of course there are teams like Manchester City and Tottenham, for whom things are going well. It will be difficult.

"Chelsea seem to be very strong. Manchester United too, as always. They don't have Ronaldo or Tevez but they're always a great team fighting for titles. It won't be easy at all."