Chelsea are ready to offer Cesc Fabregas the chance to become Frank Lampard’s long-term successor after Barcelona stepped up their interest in Koke.
Lampard has released a statement officially confirming his departure from Stamford Bridge.
With Arsenal indicating they will not take up their option to re-sign Fabregas, Chelsea will try to convince £30 million Fabregas to return to London.
Fabregas is disappointed Arsenal have not shown any firm interest in him, but is willing to look at other options in the Premier League.
Manchester City’s priority is to try to keep Yaya Toure, which means Fabregas, 27, would face an uncertain wait to see if the Premier League champions make a bid for him.
Written by Steve Milne
