So, as the Arsenal squad depart for Germany to continue their pre- season preparations, once again Cesc Fabregas will not fly with the team and will instead continue to train at the club’s training complex. This is the second tour he has now missed after his absence at the club’s tour of Asia. According to Arsene Wenger, he has failed to recover from a muscular injury and will stay in London.
However, if Goal.com is to be believed, the Barcelona vice- president was in London to conclude a deal which would take the Gunners captain back to his boyhood club in Catalonia. Barcelona Manager Pep Guardiola said earlier in the week that Arsenal ‘has agreed to negotiate’ on a deal for Cesc Fabregas. So is Fabregas’ time in North London coming to an end or will he once again be denied the chance to return to his hometown club?
Whilst Spurs fans may be elated, it does look like the Premier League will lose another amazing talent to the La Liga with Fabregas likely to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso to Spain. And as much as Wenger conceals the truth from us, it is almost certain that Fabregas will leave the Emirates this summer, with the only obstacle preventing any possible deal being the price. The Arsenal manager is holding out for £41M whilst the cash strapped Spanish champions will only offer £34M. Barcelona are also unwilling to pay the fee upfront, and would want it to include performance related add- ons for the midfielder.
However, Fabregas’ reluctance to stay another season may prove an important factor, with Wenger keen on offloading people who do not want to be there rather than keeping disgruntled and unhappy players. Either way, the two clubs must reach an agreement by August 1st according to Wenger if a deal is to be struck so this question WILL be answered by the end of the week.
It would be premature to expect a done deal, but the odds are stacked on Fabregas wearing a blue and burgundy kit next season.
MY VERDICT: CESC WILL LEAVE
What do you guys think?
