English newspaper The Times has reported that: “Barcelona are prepared to sell Cesc Fabregas for about £40m and believe they can secure a Premier League buyer for the Spain midfielder at that price. Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been offered the player.”
FC Barcelona have recently appointed Luis Enrique as their new boss and he said to have agreed for the sell of Fabregas. The new boss has already started working on his plans for the new season and reportedly, Fabregas does not fit well into his plans of attacking football.
The Times reports that, while Fabregas rejected Manchester United’s many offers to lure him away from Camp Nou last summer, he is understood to have grown weary of criticism of his contribution to a Barcelona season without major silverware and feels that his contribution his being ignored by the club management and fans. Now, the player himself also is exploring options away from the Catalunya.
And if Fabregas really decides to start new career in Premier League, he will not be short of potential suitor as he will be considered as a “home grown” player as per the rules of UEFA which will ultimately mean that the club will get to sign another player apart from this quota as well.
Apart from these three clubs, Manchester United are also said to be interested in his services again and new boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly a big admirer of the Catalan player. And after receiving two setbacks in their pursuit of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mulles, Ed Sherwood himself is under tremendous pressure to make a big name signing and Fabregas fits the bill perfectly.
As far as the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City goes, all three clubs do have a place in their squad for a world class talent like Fabregas.
After the sell of Juan Mata, Chelsea attack was brutally exposed in the later half of the season. And now, Mourinho is also no short of money after the sell of David Luiz to Paris Saint Germail.
This website reported on Saturday that Fabregas is a “secondary” target of Arsenal. As defensive midfielder and striker are the two most immediate areas of concern for Arsene Wenger.
However, despite Fabregas’ transfer in 2011, the relation between him and Wenger were always remained cordial and the Frenchman may decide to re-unite with his former student.
Of the three clubs, situation of Manchester City is quite complicated. UEFA recently has fined them for not adhering to FFP term and hence they might back out from the bidding war for the player.
Written by Steve Milne
