August 15th 2011. The date that Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal captain, agreed terms with Barcelona, ending one of the most protracted transfer sagas of all time.
He left Arsenal having created a whopping 466 goal-scoring opportunities, accruing 75 assists and finding the back of the net 30 times over five years. Given his age, these figures are startling. It’s fair to say that there was nobody quite like him in world football.
Arsene Wenger fought to keep hold of him for as long as possible, but the young Spaniard’s Barcelona DNA proved to be difficult to combat. Cesc wanted a return back to his boyhood club and Barca had the money to make a move happen. A 29m euro deal was agreed, with an additional 5m euros to arrive through add-ons.
Whilst this is a healthy fee, Arsenal lost their Captain, midfield inspiration and best player. The Premier League lost one of the best passers it had ever seen and Arsenal’s decline was more-or-less guaranteed.
Jack Wilshere was earmarked as the Spaniard’s successor, but injury problems have somewhat stilted his development. The arrival of Santi Cazorla has certainly helped, but the Gunners still lack something in the centre of the park.
Since moving to the Nou Camp, Fabregas has enjoyed mixed reviews. He’s made 95 appearances for Barca and won the Copa del Rey and La Liga title. But, he’s also struggled to hold down a regular position in the midfield. This perhaps isn’t surprising given that he’s competing with Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
But Cesc is a player deserving of a first team berth. That’s probably why there’s been so much speculation regarding his future.
Numerous sources have linked Cesc back to Arsenal. Some have linked him to Manchester United. Whilst this may excite fans the relevant fan-bases, I seriously doubt the validity of these rumours. I’d sooner side with this article that appeared recently on Sport Witness.
The article quotes a Spanish source, claiming that Cesc has been very critical of himself whilst at Barca and is desperate to offer the side more. With Xavi getting older, there may be a starting role for him soon enough.
There’s no talk of him giving up and looking for a move elsewhere. This doesn’t really seem to be in his character. Arsenal would do well to consider other options this summer.
A return to the Premier League for Fabregas would be a fine thing, but it’s not going to happen. Let’s hope Arsene is considering all the other options available to him – the realistic options.
What’s your take? Could Cesc Fabregas return to Arsenal this summer?
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we’re tired of rumours,wenger must buy one superb player and keenly look for other 2 later b4 the season starts.if he feels its right for him to let kosienly leave,then he’ll be at the same time,”the player,the coach and the fan as well”.spent much,get trophies,return glory to emirates,mek us feel comfortable as arsenal fans…target 3 stars,be keen on them n spent the whole affluence.thanks
Am certainly speechless abt it coz i feel fabregas in ma bloodstream coz he loves us
I dont c him returning now,maybe at old age,when he is tired of been in the field n wth bundles of rophies,xo honestly lets 4get him bin back
I feel, Arsenal will be better placed if it stopped looking in the past and focus on building a team for the future. Whatever has happened should be considered dead and buried. Wenger has a good core in place for the next couple of years and should add a good striker, a defensive midfielder and a goal keeper. This will make the team more competitive and capable of challenging for honors.
If Barca did not get rid of Messi and Iniesta years ago when they were deemed too lite and unproductive. Why would they get rid of a player that has already captained one of EPL top sides, provided the world-cup winning assist, has been playing at this level since he was a teenager, believes he is at the best club in the world. Moreover it would be out of character for Fabregas to leave when clearly Bar-7-el-O-na is in need of rejuvenation especially in the discipline which Cesc is a stand-out specialist.