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Torn between two loved teams

Comment: 0 August 9th, 2011 by: admin
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TIME is ticking away as the new football season draws near but Cesc Fabregas is still keeping everyone guessing.

Will he leave Arsenal and finally join Barcelona? Or will he end up playing somewhere else?

As we see it, Fabregas will eventually go to the team of his choice – if the price is right or who makes the more convincing offer.

Arsenal is demanding a 40-million pound transfer fee. Barcelona remained resolute in their pursuit and raised their offer to 33 million pounds. Not until the right amount is arrived at, the pricey Fabregas is looking every bit unsure, enmeshed in a situation he himself could not probably figure out either.

A rumoured move to Italian side AC Milan has already been rebuffed, as the tug-of-war boiled down between the north London squad and the reigning European champs.

Personalities linked with Fabregas also put in their claim with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique angering Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger concerning a statement he made about Fabregas’ possible relocation, among others.

And to muddle the issue further, Arsenal are said to be losing patience over Barca’s “messing about for a year and a half’’ and are close to terminating the talks.

PERSISTENT RUMOURS

Prior to the start of the 2010-2011 season, media speculations about Fabregas’ transfer swirled. In June of last year, a 35-million pound Barcelona bid was rejected. But rumours would not just die down regarding Fabregas’ intention to play for Barca where he was once among the promising players in their youth academy, and leave Arsenal where he has seen action for the last eight years and is now their captain and chief playmaker.

Money matters aside, severing ties with Arsenal would be difficult. But if Fabregas has been disenchanted with the way they performed in the past season, then he must leave. The Gunners were still in contention for their target of four titles last February but their fate suddenly took a downward spiral in a span of two weeks.

They bowed to Birmingham City 1-2 in the League Cup final, were ousted by Barcelona in the Round of 16 of the Champions League and lost in the FA Cup quarterfinal to Manchester United. They stayed in the hunt for the Premier League tiara but were hindered by a series of draws down the stretch causing them to lag behind eventual champions United and finish in fourth place.

In case he opts for a Barcelona transfer, will the future look bright for him playing along the Catalans? Barca is loaded with midfield wizards such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta so will he get ample time doing his task in the spot?

REUNION IN SPAIN

If he goes to Spain, Barcelona would gladly welcome him back, a sentiment echoed by Pique who said he is confident he will be reunited with his old teammate.

And Xavi all the more boosted the morale of his fellow national team mainstay by saying he will have room in midfield under Pep Guardiola. But until Guardiola, Fabregas’ boyhood hero, starts mapping out plans, Cesc could still face uncertainty at midfield where the promising 20-year-old Thiago Alcantara is also making fast grounds.

Pique’s recent statement has infuriated Wenger who said it could only jeopardise talks should Barca and the English outfit zero in on the potential deal. But Wenger, who is like a father to Fabregas, has remained confident that the latter will stay with his side.

Guardiola, meanwhile, has chosen to keep his mouth shut to probably to signify that he is not involved in any negotiations. Good for him to stay that way for this will not complicate things.

Barca have to make up their minds if they are really keen on having Fabregas in their roster. But it must come at a very high cost. If they don’t, then the latter will probably remain at Arsenal.

Another term at Emirates could give Fabregas more letdowns unless the Gunners make progress in the very near future. Arsenal have been trophyless for the last six seasons so could this be another reason that added to the Spanish international’s yearning to relocate?

And there’s this rumour that Arsenal are close to signing Juan Mata of Valencia for 17.5 million pounds that would clear the way for Fabregas going to join the Catalans.

FAN FAVOURITE

Talks concerning he would linger as a Gunner are also in circulation. AC Milan head Adriano Galliani said he feels the 24-year-old player will remain in London. Midfielder Denilson, playing for Sao Paolo on loan from Arsenal, thinks the same, saying Cesc is well-loved by home fans who look upon him as their hero.

However, as far as Iniesta is concerned, he believes Fabregas, will go for another try at Arsenal.

But as of late, another report came out alleging Fabregas stated he is willing to give up four (4) million pounds in bonuses just to be with Barca.

Anywhere he goes would be fine. But first, he must be in peak form, free of any injury that hobbled him previously including his troublesome hamstring. If he wants to show gratitude to the squad where he “grew up,’’ he must give it one last shot, say for one more season. But we cannot fault him if he switches allegiance to Barca.

There are still options, however, and one of these is for Fabregas to try showing his wares to other teams. But this appears far-fetched. Besides, this could involve more financial headaches considering his steep value.

So between leaving and joining the teams both close to his hearts, Fabregas must come up with a decision we’re hoping would not be detrimental to his career. No matter where he lands or how much money is involved, we pray he would make the right choice.

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