Last summer, much of the footballing world, and Arsenal fans especially witnessed one of the longest protracted transfer sagas ever. Pre, during and post World Cup, Barcelona were very vocal in their pursuit of the Arsenal captain. After Spain became World Champions for the very first time, the were pictures of Fabregas donning the Catalan jersey, (albeit he was forced to). There were also reports of him having a showdown with his 'coach & mentor', Arsene Wenger. The news from the Emirates was that, Cesc was not leaving at any price. Fabregas himself, never really came out to deny the rumours and most fans were probably resigned to the fact that they were going to lose their captain and main man somehow or rather.
That begs the question of whether it is worth keeping the man when it is possible to get upwards of 40 million pounds for him? If he was dead on wanting to stay then the whole issue can be thrown out the window, but as we know, that isn't the case. It is undeniable that he is Arsenal's most important player, when his mind is on it. Fitness is another question as well. Lastly, does Arsenal have a replacement for him, or are they going to use the money to acquire a top class playmaker?
Wenger has number of options at his disposal. Firstly, and the most obvious, is slotting Samir Nasri into the Fabregas role. At the beginning of the season, the French wizard was thrust into this position as a result of Fabregas' injury. He was immense, and was the club's best player during this period. The difference between the two is that Cesc is more of a passer compared to Nasri, who has quick feet and loves to wizz past players with his twinkle-toes. More recently, Nasri played in the 'Cesc role' in the second half of the match against West Brom. He was instrumental, though at times his decision-making was suspect.
Arsene can also decide to slot Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey into the role, as he was supposed to be Fabregas' replacement until the horrific injury he suffered against Stoke. He has only recently returned into the Arsenal fold, though his appearance for Wales in the friendly against Brazil was not his best; his passing was mostly under hit and again decision making questionable. He will undoubtedly get better, though how quick will be the question. Ramsey has all the needed qualities to excel in the role, and many fans will be happy as he and Wilshere can combine to establish a British centre midfield for Arsenal.
The Boss can also decide to splash out some of the cash from a possible Fabregas sale to acquire a new playmaker, though Arsene Wenger prefers to buy raw material and develop them into rare diamonds. The quality out there remains to be seen, as there are not many who are capable of coming straight in to play in that midfield. There are the likes of Sneijder and Schweinsteiger but they are way out of Wenger's budget.
A name that has came up a couple of times in the summer was Yohann Gourcuff, though having joined Lyon on a 5 year contract, it looks unlikely that he will be coming to the Emirates anytime soon. Another player who was rumoured to come in was Christian Eriksen, but at such a young age, it remains to be seen if Arsene will be willing to draft him straight into the squad, and also whether Ajax will part ways with him. There are options for Wenger to consider, but he has to make a decision soon, as Barcelona are looking to bid for Fabregas again. Wenger might be able to do a part-exchange with the Catalans, maybe asking for Javier Mascherano or Bojan Krkic as part of the deal. Mascherano has been at most, a bit-part player this season since moving from Liverpool.
All in all, Wenger knows he has a real tough one on his hands, though he has about four to five months to look around. Barcelona will be doubt back in for their man, as they've publicly made it a scandal, and both clubs have been giving each other names. Whether Fabregas will be assured a starting line at the Nou Camp remains a big question. If in doubt, just look at Thierry Henry and Javier Mascherano.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
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