Arsenal’s squad was damaged when Cesc Fabregas left the club for his home-town side Barcelona, but constantly sitting on the bench at the Nou Camp triggered rumors in England that Fabregas could make a comeback to the country he spent 6 years in.
Fabregas was the skipper of the Arsenal side when he left, and was part of the side which had others like Robin van Persie, who tried their best to lift a trophy at the Emirates Stadium. Fabregas was often heard talking about how desperately the players wanted to break the trophy drought which has nearly reached a decade. There is no doubt that the Gunners supporters would welcome back Fabregas to the squad, and surely, Arsene Wenger will be looking to bring in players who have Barclays Premier League experience. Hence, the Gunners were linked with a shock move for Wayne Rooney, when the former Everton striker asked for a transfer from Man United.
Having Rooney and Fabregas in the same team would form a lethal attacking partnership, with one possessing tremendous scoring potential, and the latter a pass master unlocking defenses. Wenger has a busy summer ahead of him, as he tries to assemble a group of players capable of challenging for top honors. Replacing Fabregas was never going to be an easy task, but with the Spaniard not getting regular football at the Nou Camp, he could be lured into a move back to London.
For the record, Fabregas played 28 matches in his first season at Barcelona, and 31 matches in the second season. While the numbers show a different story, Fabregas has been frustrated, as he has been kept on the bench for the important games of the season, both in the league and the UEFA Champions League.
However, according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, the midfield wizard is rather shocked at the strong rumors emerging in England about a potential move. Also, given Fabregas’ contract details at Barcelona, it will be difficult for any club to financially afford a buyout.
Balague explained, “He is surprised by the rumors that are so strong in England.”
“The club has definitely told me this evening that they have got no intention whatsoever of selling him.”
“His buyout clause, in case anybody is interested, is €200million (£171m), which is a little bit expensive. In any case it is a deterrent for people to come and try to poach him away.”
“If anything was going to happen it would be in the future, maybe next year, who knows, but what seems certain is that both the club and himself have decided he will stay at Barcelona for at least one more season.”