Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has refused to rule out a return to former club Arsenal if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Spaniard’s contract with the Blues expires at the end of the season, and when asked about a move back to the Gunners, the 31-year-old said:

“Of course, Arsenal will always be in my heart and I will never forget them so why not return. You never know.”

Fabregas is very much a peripheral figure at Chelsea these days. Manager Maurizio Sarri sees the midfielder’s role as the understudy to holding midfielder Jorginho.

The ex Barcelona star has only started in cup competitions so far this campaign and played the full 90 minutes in the London club’s 3-1 win over BATE Borisov in the Europa League on Thursday night.

However, Fabregas only made his first appearance of the season in the Premier League in yesterday’s 4-0 win over Burnley. The midfielder came on for the final 12 minutes of the game at Turfmoor.

Whether he’d be welcomed back to Arsenal after moving to Chelsea it remains to be seen, but the player certainly seems to be open to it.