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FABREGAS NEEDS TO PLAY WITH THE BEST
And he won't do that at Arsenal
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BARCA TARGET - Cesc Fabregas
CESC FABREGAS' ARSENAL TIMELINE
Season-by-season guide to the Spanish star's career.
Read
By Neil Ashton, 13/02/2010
CESC FABREGAS will wait until after the World Cup to decide his future - but it hasn't stopped him thinking about a move to Barcelona.
Fabregas will spark a bidding war in the summer when his boyhood club come calling with a bid in excess of £40million.
Barca's bid means Fabregas, 22, will have the biggest decision of his career to make after Spain's assault on the World Cup.
Outgoing president Joan Laporta is determined to land his man as a leaving gift to Barca's 90,000 fans. But Fabregas is torn between a return to the Nou Camp, where he began his career, and another season in north London. Fabregas has told pals he owes a huge debt to Arsenal and does not want the club embroiled in a mid-season soap-opera.
But he also does not want to be a pawn in Barca's elections at the end of the season and that will see the saga run beyond this summer's World Cup.
Despite his commitment, Fabregas knows he is in danger of leaving the current Arsenal team behind, a world-class talent alongside players who are clearly not good enough to challenge for the Premier League.
At Barcelona he could be on the cusp of everything, competing with Real Madrid for La Liga and playing for one of the best teams assembled in the history of the game.
Laporta's intention to grab Fabregas before his term of office ends was outlined by Alfons Godall, the man Laporta is backing in June's election. Godall said: "Fabregas' signing will depend a lot on Laporta because he will have full powers as president right up until June 30. There are decisions that will still be able to be taken during this time. Sooner or later Fabregas will end up back here."
Here Sport of the World assesses the Arsenal midfielder's options.
STATUS
ARSENAL: Took the captaincy from William Gallas last season and is undoubtedly the main man at Arsenal. Thrives on it and clearly loves the responsibility.
New role has not affected his game and he has matured as a player since he took the armband. Still prone to the occasional outburst, such as the 'Hoodie' confrontation with Brian Horton, then 59, at Hull last season.
BARCELONA: No chance of the armband at the Nou Camp, that belongs to Carlos Puyol. Xavi, Victor Valdes and Iniesta are the deputies.
He would be just another top class player at Barcelona, battling to keep pace among talents such as Xavi, Iniesta, YaYa Toure and the emerging forces of Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita. Poster boy remains world player of the year Messi, yet established greats such as Puyol are also held in the highest esteem.
STYLE
ARSENAL: When Thierry Henry was still at the club, he was the first port of call for any Arsenal player looking to make a pass.
That has since been replicated with Fabregas, a wise head on young shoulders, though he cannot drag his team towards titles on his own.
On average, the Spain international he takes 120 touches a match, more than any other Arsenal player. Henry was the last world class player Arsenal had. Fabregas will get there, but none of his current team-mates at the Emirates ever will.
BARCELONA: Pep Guardiola's team runs like clockwork, with a style of football that is admired around the world.
They retain possession in midfield, keeping the ball in circulation until one of the destructive forces in their front three takes over.
Barca would have no problem in refining the system to suit Fabregas, providing him with the perfect platform for his lethal, one-touch technique.
TROPHY ROOM
ARSENAL: Under the current financial restraints, and Wenger's recruitment policy, they will never win the Premier League again - not good if you happen to be one of Europe's best players.
Despite winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, the manager has become obsessed with building the perfect football team at the expense of trophies.
Fabregas has played in a Champions League final against Barca, and was unfortunate to be on the losing side in Paris in 2006.
BARCELONA: In the five years since Fabregas turned professional at Arsenal, their Spanish rivals have won the Champions League, three Spanish league titles, the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup.
They will continue to hunt down the biggest prizes and it is tempting for Fabregas to become part of their future.
They also boast the current world player of the year in Messi, along with three members (Puyol, Iniesta and Xavi) of the Spain team who so convincingly won Euro 2008.
CONTRACTS
ARSENAL: According to Wenger (salary £7.5m a year) his club cannot compete with "financial dopers" Chelsea, yet they make honourable exceptions in special cases. Thierry Henry was given a generous one-off loyalty bonus of £5m in 2006 and signed a new five-year contract worth £130,000 a week, all of which was openly declared in the club's accounts.
Fabregas has a staggered contract which improves each year, reflecting his growing status in the game.
He's on around £80,000 a week at the moment, but it won't be long before Arsenal present him with a deal designed to blow him away.
BARCELONA: Their players have all the trappings associated with the club's classy, blue-chip profile, continuing to be rewarded with increased salaries so long as they dominate domestic and European football.
Fabregas would be one of the top earners at the Nou Camp, but money has never been his primary motivation.
Salary will easily touch £130,000-a -week if he decides to move, making him one of the highest paid young players in the world.
MANAGER
ARSENE WENGER: Has been at Arsenal since September 1996... and it is beginning to show.
Built a team of bruisers to win league title in 1998, but developed a heady blend of style and strength with 2002 Champions and the 2004 'Invincibles' team.
But has not come close since and his refusal to accept there is any other way than his own is beginning to grate with some sections of supporters.
Has a win record of 57%, just below that of Sir Alex Ferguson.
PEP GUARDIOLA: Talk of him going to Manchester United and being groomed by Sir Alex Ferguson was complete tosh - he's already a top class manager in his own right, winning SIX trophies in his first season as manager!
Guardiola is committed to a style based on the principles of legendary Dutch manager Rinus Michels, but this has been further refined under Barca's Catalan coach.
Has win record of 75.5% in first season, up to staggering 83.3% this season - way above the 55% target for top class managers.
And he won't do that at Arsenal
</IMG> BARCA TARGET - Cesc Fabregas
CESC FABREGAS' ARSENAL TIMELINE
Season-by-season guide to the Spanish star's career.
Read
- WENGER SAYS MIDWEEK WIN WAS CRUCIAL
- PORTO TOUGH GUY TARGETS FABREGAS
- VAN PERSIE REJECTED CHELSEA AND CITY
- WENGER: DIABY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
By Neil Ashton, 13/02/2010
CESC FABREGAS will wait until after the World Cup to decide his future - but it hasn't stopped him thinking about a move to Barcelona.
Fabregas will spark a bidding war in the summer when his boyhood club come calling with a bid in excess of £40million.
Barca's bid means Fabregas, 22, will have the biggest decision of his career to make after Spain's assault on the World Cup.
Outgoing president Joan Laporta is determined to land his man as a leaving gift to Barca's 90,000 fans. But Fabregas is torn between a return to the Nou Camp, where he began his career, and another season in north London. Fabregas has told pals he owes a huge debt to Arsenal and does not want the club embroiled in a mid-season soap-opera.
But he also does not want to be a pawn in Barca's elections at the end of the season and that will see the saga run beyond this summer's World Cup.
Despite his commitment, Fabregas knows he is in danger of leaving the current Arsenal team behind, a world-class talent alongside players who are clearly not good enough to challenge for the Premier League.
At Barcelona he could be on the cusp of everything, competing with Real Madrid for La Liga and playing for one of the best teams assembled in the history of the game.
Laporta's intention to grab Fabregas before his term of office ends was outlined by Alfons Godall, the man Laporta is backing in June's election. Godall said: "Fabregas' signing will depend a lot on Laporta because he will have full powers as president right up until June 30. There are decisions that will still be able to be taken during this time. Sooner or later Fabregas will end up back here."
Here Sport of the World assesses the Arsenal midfielder's options.
STATUS
ARSENAL: Took the captaincy from William Gallas last season and is undoubtedly the main man at Arsenal. Thrives on it and clearly loves the responsibility.
New role has not affected his game and he has matured as a player since he took the armband. Still prone to the occasional outburst, such as the 'Hoodie' confrontation with Brian Horton, then 59, at Hull last season.
BARCELONA: No chance of the armband at the Nou Camp, that belongs to Carlos Puyol. Xavi, Victor Valdes and Iniesta are the deputies.
He would be just another top class player at Barcelona, battling to keep pace among talents such as Xavi, Iniesta, YaYa Toure and the emerging forces of Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita. Poster boy remains world player of the year Messi, yet established greats such as Puyol are also held in the highest esteem.
STYLE
ARSENAL: When Thierry Henry was still at the club, he was the first port of call for any Arsenal player looking to make a pass.
That has since been replicated with Fabregas, a wise head on young shoulders, though he cannot drag his team towards titles on his own.
On average, the Spain international he takes 120 touches a match, more than any other Arsenal player. Henry was the last world class player Arsenal had. Fabregas will get there, but none of his current team-mates at the Emirates ever will.
BARCELONA: Pep Guardiola's team runs like clockwork, with a style of football that is admired around the world.
They retain possession in midfield, keeping the ball in circulation until one of the destructive forces in their front three takes over.
Barca would have no problem in refining the system to suit Fabregas, providing him with the perfect platform for his lethal, one-touch technique.
TROPHY ROOM
ARSENAL: Under the current financial restraints, and Wenger's recruitment policy, they will never win the Premier League again - not good if you happen to be one of Europe's best players.
Despite winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, the manager has become obsessed with building the perfect football team at the expense of trophies.
Fabregas has played in a Champions League final against Barca, and was unfortunate to be on the losing side in Paris in 2006.
BARCELONA: In the five years since Fabregas turned professional at Arsenal, their Spanish rivals have won the Champions League, three Spanish league titles, the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup.
They will continue to hunt down the biggest prizes and it is tempting for Fabregas to become part of their future.
They also boast the current world player of the year in Messi, along with three members (Puyol, Iniesta and Xavi) of the Spain team who so convincingly won Euro 2008.
CONTRACTS
ARSENAL: According to Wenger (salary £7.5m a year) his club cannot compete with "financial dopers" Chelsea, yet they make honourable exceptions in special cases. Thierry Henry was given a generous one-off loyalty bonus of £5m in 2006 and signed a new five-year contract worth £130,000 a week, all of which was openly declared in the club's accounts.
Fabregas has a staggered contract which improves each year, reflecting his growing status in the game.
He's on around £80,000 a week at the moment, but it won't be long before Arsenal present him with a deal designed to blow him away.
BARCELONA: Their players have all the trappings associated with the club's classy, blue-chip profile, continuing to be rewarded with increased salaries so long as they dominate domestic and European football.
Fabregas would be one of the top earners at the Nou Camp, but money has never been his primary motivation.
Salary will easily touch £130,000-a -week if he decides to move, making him one of the highest paid young players in the world.
MANAGER
ARSENE WENGER: Has been at Arsenal since September 1996... and it is beginning to show.
Built a team of bruisers to win league title in 1998, but developed a heady blend of style and strength with 2002 Champions and the 2004 'Invincibles' team.
But has not come close since and his refusal to accept there is any other way than his own is beginning to grate with some sections of supporters.
Has a win record of 57%, just below that of Sir Alex Ferguson.
PEP GUARDIOLA: Talk of him going to Manchester United and being groomed by Sir Alex Ferguson was complete tosh - he's already a top class manager in his own right, winning SIX trophies in his first season as manager!
Guardiola is committed to a style based on the principles of legendary Dutch manager Rinus Michels, but this has been further refined under Barca's Catalan coach.
Has win record of 75.5% in first season, up to staggering 83.3% this season - way above the 55% target for top class managers.
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