On the same day Frank Lampard confirmed his days at Stamford Bridge are done comes a rumor that links Chelsea to a player who could possibly replicate the midfielder’s famous production. With Arsenal reportedly declining the opportunity to bring back one of its own, Barcelona’s Cesc Fábregas, the Blues could be the beneficiary of the Spanish international’s next move.
That’s assuming the move happens, though according to The Guardian, new manager Luis Enrique is intent on adding Koke from Atlético Madrid, a move that would make Fábregas expendable. Told he can leave the club after three years in the Catalan capital, the 27-year-old’s departure could see him go from Xavi Hernández’s heir apparent to a victim of what’s become an uncertain time at the club.
Fábregas has been informed he can leave the Camp Nou this summer after three seasons back at the Catalan club …The Spain international is disappointed Arsenal have opted against trying to bring him back but he is willing to consider other options in England.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all considered moves for the midfielder in the past but it is understood their respective priorities lie elsewhere in the market this summer. Chelsea had hoped to secure Koke themselves as they seek to replace Lampard, who will make a decision on his future after the World Cup.
In this three seasons since rejoining Barcelona, the La Masia-trained midfielder tallied 42 goals and 48 assists in 151 all-competition appearances. With league, cup, and Club World Cup honors on his résumé, Fábregas saw relative success on the team level, but the former Arsenal star never completely held down a spot in the starting XI. He also missed out on a Champions League title.
Before returning to Spain, Fábregas spent parts of eight seasons at Arsenal, where has was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2007-08 and made the organization’s team of the year in 2007-08 and 2009-10. In 303 appearances with Arsenal, Fábregas scored 57 goals and collected 98 assists.
If Fábregas can replicate that production at Chelsea — particularly the 15-goal, 13-assist league campaign he produced in 2008-09 — he could have a Lampard-esque presence in the middle, albeit with a completely different style. Able to play as a central midfielder, a No. 10, or as a false nine, Fábregas should give manager José Mourinho the option of playing more 4-3-3 next season, should he choose to revert to one of his favored approaches. Next to an industrious Ramires and in front of the towering Nemanja Matic, the former Gunner would create an enviable balance in a three-man middle.
That’s assuming the move happens, of course. At this point, it appears far from done, particularly since Manchester United, a contender for Fábregas’s signature last year, may not be so willing to bow out of this year’s sweepstakes.
Regardless, if Fábregas is intent on moving back to England, his arrival will be a boon to one of the Premier League’s title contenders. Right now, Chelsea may be leading the charge.
