Quote:
Arsenal face a battle to keep Cesc Fàbregas after the Spain midfield player told Arsène Wenger yesterday that he wants to rejoin Barcelona.
In face-to-face talks at the club’s training ground, Fàbregas told his manager of his desire to return to his boyhood side, who are preparing an initial bid of £30 million for a player they lost for nothing when he left their academy seven years ago.
Fàbregas wants to stay on good terms with Arsenal, who have nurtured his development since he left Barcelona as a 16-year-old, and is particularly keen not to damage his excellent relationship with Wenger. However, he is prepared to submit a written transfer request if necessary.
The 23-year-old has known of Barcelona’s interest for several months and has given the matter great thought before reaching what he considers his final decision.
His reasons are primarily footballing ones, having rejected the opportunity to discuss more lucrative moves to Real Madrid and Manchester City. While the prospect of being closer to his family and friends by returning home is appealing, his main concern is success on the pitch and winning the biggest honours. He views this as a doubtful proposition at Arsenal, who have not won a trophy for five years. A 2005 FA Cup winner’s medal is the only club honour in his collection.
Barcelona secured a second successive Spanish championship last weekend and are preparing to try to reclaim the Champions League title they won in 2009 by attempting to sign David Villa and Fernando Torres from Valencia and Liverpool respectively.
Fàbregas has always planned to return to Spain and appeared to open the door for a move last week by claiming that he wanted to resolve his future before next month’s World Cup finals,...
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http://timesmobile.mobi/ms/p/times/o...3019&cat=Sport
if he himself is saying he wants to go I dont know how they keep him. Also wonder if Wenger will actually spend the money they make from any potential transfer. Arsenal haven't spent much in the last 4-5 years and they have sold quite a bit, dono if thats the owners not wanting to spend or Wenger's arrogance in trying to build a young dynasty from within but it has cost them trophy's
if they sell Cesc and dont add a new keeper, replacement midfielder, and depth around the squad they are in serious danger of falling out of the top 4