Barcelona have weighed up what seems to be their final offer for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. After their initial offer was turned down, the Catalans returned with an improved offer of 40 million Pounds which they are hoping can land them their main target.
The La Liga champions are experiencing some financial troubles and although Fabregas might be the club’s main target, Sandro Rosell should think twice before going all out for the 23 year old. Barcelona’s current squad has some of the finest midfielders in the game today and it would be a shame for Fabregas to watch most of their matches from the bench.
There is no doubting Fabregas’s talent and leadership skills. A clear example of this would have to be the World Cup finals where his introduction as a substitute bolstered La Furia Roja’s attack and gave them a sense of belief. In that game, Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas complimented each other well to help Spain onto its maiden world title.
If they played so well for Spain, can’t they do it with Barca? Well, its not as simple as it looks. Although both Spain and Barcelona traditionally play attacking football, Barca’s formation is centred more around a 4-3-3 style, comprising of Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta.
Signing Fabregas might create unhealthy competition in the Nou Camp which could be very disastrous. Despite that, Barca coach Pep Guardiola still believes that Cesc could join the Blaugrana.
“I think bringing in Cesc will cost a lot,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Monday. “We want him to come, but if Arsenal don’t want to negotiate, he won’t come.”
Arsene Wenger is adamant that the 40 million offered by Barcelona is way too little and he is holding out for an additional 15 million Pounds. Fabregas is currently on holiday and will be back in London with just a few days left to spare before the Gunners kick-off their 2010/2011 campaign against Liverpool.
Fabregas’s transfer saga reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ordeal with Real Madrid which finally ended with the Portuguese switching United’s red strip for Real’s famous all white uniform.
I expect Cesc’s saga to end with him signing for Barcelona. Arsenal know this all to well. Its just a matter of time before Barcelona gets its way. It could be this or next summer however, one thing is for sure, Fabregas is destined to return to the Nou Camp.
Photo credit: from Ifotbol