Mad for Cesc Fabregas

Posted Sunday, June 05, 2011 by Dailystar.co.uk

Mad for Cesc Fabregas
Above: Cesc Fabregas is now Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s dream signing

CESC FABREGAS has become the hottest transfer target in the world with Chelsea and Inter Milan joining the £60million battle for Arsenal’s captain.

Cesc Fabregas is now Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s dream signing.

And Inter are set to make a move for the Spanish midfield playmaker, who is also wanted by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.

It means Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger once again faces a fight to keep his key player.

Arsenal are adamant that Fabregas, if he goes, will not be joining another English club.

They don’t want to be facing him in the Premier League but realise they might have to in the Champions League if he returns to Spain or makes a move to Italy.

That won’t deter Abramovich, who this week hopes to make progress in his pursuit of Turkey coach Guus Hiddink as his next manager.

A Chelsea source told the Daily Star Sunday: “The two players Abramovich always wanted from other English clubs were Fernando Torres and Fabregas.

“He eventually prised Torres away from Liverpool in January for £50million and would love to pull off a similar deal for Fabregas.

“Abramovich loves the way Barcelona play but realises it would be virtually impossible to sign Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta or Xavi.

“But he sees Fabregas as the nearest thing to that type of player.

“Chelsea have also had success before in luring a top player away from Arsenal when they signed Ashley Cole.”

If Fabregas, 24, was to leave The Emirates, his dream move would be to Barca, where he is seen as the eventual successor to Xavi.

Fabregas started his career in Barcelona’s youth set-up but was signed by Arsenal aged 16 back in 2003.

But Inter believe he would also be perfect in Italy as their creative force in midfield as the 2010 European champions looks to mount another challenge on club football’s most coveted trophy.

Their interest in Fabregas immediately places a question mark against the future of Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Inter are saying privately that, ideally, they would like Fabregas to play alongside Sneijder.

But it would seem more likely that they would need the proceeds of the £30m sale of the Dutch master to help fund a move for Fabregas.

Sneijder, 26, is a Manchester United target and moving to Old Trafford has always been his ambition. But any indication he could leave the San Siro would also alert Manchester City and Chelsea.

The future of Fabregas holds the key – and what is clear is that Arsenal face a bigger battle than ever to keep him happy in north London.

CESC FABREGAS gave his Arsenal pals presents at the end of the season – then refused to deny they were farewell gifts.

Team-mate Andrey Arshavin says the Spanish star handed out treats but was tight-lipped when quizzed about quitting The Emirates.

Arshavin said: “Fabregas gave little gifts to each player and I asked him, ‘What is it – a parting gift?’

“He did not answer. It says that there is something behind this silence.”