Cesc Fabregas Transfer Saga: Who gets him?

Arsenal
Old home, sweet home. Arsenal have first refusal with the Catalan club on the sale of Fabregas, although their strongest advantage would be the emotional factor. It isn\'t a secret that Fabregas has considered the Gunners his second home after Barcelona. It was with this London club that the Catalan grew to prominence and established himself as one of the world\'s elite midfielders. He may consider returning to the Gunners to continue where he left off with his brilliant Premier League career. However, there are of course factors that dissuade either party from attempting to rekindle the relationship. For one, he would have to compete with the likes of Ramsey and Wilshere, not to mention the veterans in Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. Arsenal, for their deficiencies, are well stocked in centre midfielders. If it would be a specific type of midfielder Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would wish, it would be in the mold of a Patrick Viera, someone who possesses energy and defensive nuance to cover his defensive line. Cesc Fabregas already offers what Wilshere and Ramsey offer, technique, flair and a passing threat. Not to mention Mesut Oezil already offers the Gunners a fantastic range of passing. Fabregas might not get the game time he would wish, despite his standing among the Gunners.

Chelsea
Would Jose Mourinho buy directly from Barcelona? Perhaps, as Chelsea too are rumored to want the services of Fabregas. Practically, it all makes sense. Chelsea require a midfielder in the mold of Cesc Fabregas who would give a massive passing range to all over the pitch. Players like Nemanja Matic, Ramires, John Obi Mikel, and Marco Van Ginkel offer energy and a defensive stability for the team to rely on. However none of these names can really dictate the play for the Blues. This is where the Spanish maestro would come in. He would be an instant starter for the Blues and would be a key cog that connect passes to all over the pitch for Chelsea. The problem lies with the relationship Jose Mourinho would have with Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas plays in a very attacking midfield mold, something that Mourinho\'s style detracts from. It remains to be scene whether Fabregas would adjust his playstyle with the freedom and adventure he played at Arsenal and Barcelona to a more secure and efficient playstyle Jose Mourinho lauds. There is also the matter that Fabregas had direct confrontations with Mourinho\'s Real Madrid, another disconcerting cause that might discourage either party from pursuing the other.

Manchester City
A midfield that boasts the likes of Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, David Silva, and Cesc Fabregas is one of the finest you would find in club football. City has the finances to offer Barcelona and the player whatever payment either party may wish. The playstyle would certainly fit Cesc Fabregas, as City use an expansive, offensive, and direct play style under general manager Manuel Pellegrini. For all intents and purposes, this would probably be one of the more likely parties that would succeed in their supposed bid for the Spanish midfielder. Whether Cesc would be satisfied playing in a rotation role with City\'s elite midfielders is a pertinent question, however, especially after already having to play second fiddle to the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets at Barcelona.

Manchester United
The Red Devils were already rejected by the midfielder during last season\'s Summer transfer window under David Moyes. For all their domestic troubles, Manchester United is still a financial and footballing giant among club football. Under new general manager Van Gaal, Fabregas could expect to play the flowing football he was accustomed to at Arsenal and Barcelona. The competition would also be non-existant, as Tom Cleverly and Michael Carrick, to put it bluntly, are just not on the level of what Cesc Fabregas offers. The player would automatically lift the club to another level with just his inclusion, and he would be the automatic star man in the Red Devil midfield. However, there is one massive question mark that needs discussion. The lack of Champions League football may force the midfielder, who is entering his prime, to look else where. Having spent all his playing career in the prestigious competition could be a pre-requisite for any suitors that may want to lure him away from Barcelona. Whether he does not mind the lack of Champions League would be a decisive factor in this transfer saga.

Of course, there is a significant possibility that Cesc Fabregas may stay where he is at Barcelona. He has made it clear in the past that Barcelona remains his home. Indeed, with Xavi getting even older, Fabregas may finally start to consistently play for the Catalan club he so holds dear. Whatever happens, all eyes will be on the Spanish maestro throughout this summer transfer saga.

Michael Skok
Football Editor
for www.Poland.us