Whatever about his personality, anybody labelling him as anything other than one of the best midfielders in the world knows absolutely nothing about football.

I'd love pogba/koke/vidal, but all would be more expensive, and less likely.

I think this is probably the club's position too. No doubt we've looked at alternatives but they're either not for sale or would take a ridiculous offer to force a transfer. Fabregas might not be our first choice target but under the circumstances it might be the best deal we could do.

Edited June 3, 201412 yr by Socrates

And he'll come here and do a Torres, because the way we play "doesn't work for him".

 

The only silver lining would be seeing the rage on the Arsenal supporters' faces if he signs for us.

 

He suits our playstyle more than Barcelonas. One of the reasons he isnt a mainstay at barca is because hes too direct for their possession football

 

One of the reasons he was shifted up the pitch was because he doesnt dwell on the ball, he either shoots or goes for a through ball

Edited June 3, 201412 yr by Lane

We are 2/5 to get him. Woweeeee.

I don't like him but he's a great footballer.

It's a tough one but in terms of on the pitch we need someone exactly like him.

I cant speak for all of you but i didnt like Ashley Cole when he was at Arsenal but he became one of our best players over the years.

You dont have to like the player just because he plays for Chelsea. All you can do is hope he does a stand out job for the team while wearing the blue shirt.

I cant speak for all of you but i didnt like Ashley Cole when he was at Arsenal but he became one of our best players over the years.

You dont have to like the player just because he plays for Chelsea. All you can do is hope he does a stand out job for the team while wearing the blue shirt.

Agree with Uno (for a change).

Think theres a lot of negative judgement on his ability, because 95 his history. He would walk into our team, and we would have the best midfield in the prem.

I'm sure a few trophies with him in the team and most will be forgiven!

We are 2/5 to get him. Woweeeee.

Still not convinced!

erm

Chelsea close in on Cesc Fabregas after 'agreeing' personal terms

According to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, the Blues have agreed personal terms but are yet to formally agree a fee for the Barcelona midfielder.

The La Liga giants made it clear last weekend that Fabregas was available for sale as they seek to rebuild their squad.

Fabregas' agent was thought to have been in discussions with a number of Premier League clubs over a move for his client.

Reports had suggested Manchester City had pulled out of the race to sign Fabregas to focus on other targets instead.

The Blues turned their attentions to Fabregas after it emerged Frank Lampard would be leaving Stamford Bridge and the Spaniard it is thought would fetch around £30million.

Reports in Spain indicate that there are still details of the deal to be thrashed out and Barca are wary of conducting business with Jose Mourinho due to his past misdemeanours.

It is believed there will be no rush to push through a deal although Chelsea you imagine would want something to be secured before the World Cup gets underway.

Fabregas hit nine goals for Barca last term.

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/479923/Chelsea-close-in-on-Cesc-Fabregas-after-agreeing-personal-terms

I do agree with the fitness concern. Players that start young often carry injuries that restrict them at his age. I guess Griggs is an obvious exception.

I cannot honk of any one that would more naturally slip into lampards role and I suspect he has the character to run the midfield as well as play in it.

ITS COMING

Agree with Uno

This is when you know you need to lay down and have a rest.

I am now convinced this is in motion.

Why are we going for this when Barca are replacing him with a player that probably won't cost much more, is 5 years younger and is more suited to the role we require?

Actually starting to believe this is happening now...

Why are we going for this when Barca are replacing him with a player that probably won't cost much more, is 5 years younger and is more suited to the role we require?

 

Koke? Doesn't he have a 60M Euro release clause?

Feels like a Club signing rather than a Mourinho one, a world class midfielder who can play as a 10 or deeper and if it stops Tiago coming here all the better.

Even I'd be happy to see this, I know I keep banging on about giving youth a chance but to bring in someone with this much proven ability has got to be a good move.  He'd be a great partner for Matic.

Even I'd be happy to see this, I know I keep banging on about giving youth a chance but to bring in someone with this much proven ability has got to be a good move.  He'd be a great partner for Matic.

 

This is the problem with our club. The yoof are never given a chance, we just buy someone proven most of the time. Seems to work though.

 

Twitter is abuzz, looks like this is happening.

Koke? Doesn't he have a 60M Euro release clause?

Yes he does, and considering Real paid €30m for Isco & £34m for Illaramendi can't see Koke going for under €45m.

http://www.abc.es/deportes/futbol/20140603/abci-cesc-fabregas-chelsea-mourinho-201406031227.html

El Barcelona quiere hacer caja antes de gastarse los millones en la «renovación profunda» que pretende hacer este verano. El año pasado, por estas fechas, el club azulgrana ya había presentado a Neymar, a la postre último fichaje para el equipo que terminaría heredando Gerardo Martino. Sin embargo, este año las cosas transcurren con más sosiego, sobre todo en lo que a grandes operaciones se refiere. Presentado Ter Stegen como relevo de Valdés en la portería, la dirección deportiva vive ahora más interesada en ingresar que en gastar. Así, la entidad negocia estos días la salida de Cesc Fàbregas, uno de los jugadores con más cartel del plantel barcelonista.

Después de tres temporadas de rendimiento irregular en el club de su vida, el centrocampista de Arenys de Mar está a un paso de certificar su pase al Chelsea, un equipo que igual que el Barça anda falto de reclamos que ilusionen a su afición. Los de Mourinho no han cuajado una buena campaña y además deben llenar el hueco que dejará el veterano Frank Lampard, que abandonará Stamford Bridge rumbo al New York City tras trece temporadas vestido de ‘blue’. Según Mundo Deportivo, Cesc ya ha tomado la decisión de dejar el Barcelona y ve con buenos ojos la opción del Chelsea para contentar a su pareja, Daniela Semaan, cuyos hijos viven en Londres, ciudad que el jugador también conoce bien gracias a su etapa en el Arsenal (2003-2011).

Por su parte, el Barça, que en 2011 se gastó 36 millones más objetivos para repatriar a Fàbregas por expreso deseo de Pep Guardiola, no venderá por menos de lo que invirtió. De hecho, el presidente Bartomeu comentó hace unos días que la dirección deportiva no tenía previsto desprenderse del centrocampista, pero en la misma respuesta abrió la puerta a los que quieran marcharse: «Si un jugador viene y nos dice que quiere irse, no le pondremos freno. No vamos a retener a nadie a la fuerza». Por lo tanto, dada esta situación, la entidad azulgrana se aprovechará de la voluntad del jugador y de la necesidad del Chelsea para hacer caja. 40 millones serían muy bienvenidos.

Fàbregas, a quien el Camp Nou pitó generosamente durante los últimos encuentros del curso, está a punto de volver al hábitat donde desplegó su mejor versión. Aunque los números estén de su parte (42 goles y 45 asistencias en tres temporadas), su fútbol no ha cuajado como se esperaba en Barcelona.

Barcelona wants to cash before spending millions on ' major renovation ' which aims to do this summer . Last year at this time, Barca had already presented to Neymar , ultimately last signing for the team that would finish inheriting Gerardo Martino . However, this year things more calmly pass , especially when it relates to large operations . Presented Ter Stegen in relief Valdes in goal, live sports management now more interested in entering that spend. Thus, the entity negotiates these days off Cesc Fabregas, one of the players with the Barcelona squad cartel .

After three seasons at the club irregular performance of his life, midfielder Arenys de Mar is one step to certify his pass to Chelsea , a team like Barca walks claims lacking excite their fans . Mourinho has not curdled a good campaign and it should fill the gap that will leave veteran Frank Lampard , who will leave Stamford Bridge heading to New York City after thirteen seasons dress 'blue' . According to Mundo Deportivo , Cesc has already taken the decision to leave Barcelona and frowns Chelsea option to satisfy your partner , Daniela Semaan , whose children live in London, which the player also knows thanks to his time in Arsenal (2003-2011 ) .

Meanwhile , the club , which in 2011 spent $ 36 million more targets to repatriate Fàbregas express wish of Pep Guardiola will not sell for less than you invest. In fact , the president Bartomeu said few days ago that the sports management had no plans to break away from the midfielder, but in answer opened the door to those who want to leave : " If a player comes in and says he wants to leave , you will not brake . We will not hold anyone by force . " Therefore, given this situation, the entity Barca will take advantage of the will of the player and Chelsea need to raise cash . 40 million would be very welcome.

Fabregas, who generously gave the Camp Nou during the last meetings of the year, is about to return to the habitat where it deployed its best . Although the numbers are on their side ( 42 goals and 45 assists in three seasons) , their football has not curdled as expected in Barcelona.

Feels like a Club signing rather than a Mourinho one, a world class midfielder who can play as a 10 or deeper and if it stops Tiago coming here all the better.

Here's where I think we're wrong. I think we're signing both. Fabregas will replace Oscar not Lampard. Tiago is in for depth.

Serious question, what can Fabregas do that Mata cant?

Tackle?

the Tiago stuff was rubbish I think, no substance.

 

This is a deal i'd be glad to see. We have baker in the youth team, Fabregas is 27 so you get the feeling that it won't hinder Baker to much, he can come through slowly, learn from what's in front of him with out to much prehure. If it was another 20 -22 year old I think it would pretty much say ok, your not going to make it,

 

Any way, this is the kind of player we need.