Martin Keown discusses why Arsenal passed on Chelsea-linked star Cesc Fabregas

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown insists he is not surprised that his former club passed on the chance to sign their former captain, Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas is highly-sought after, after Barcelona, with whom he won the Champions League in 2011, admitted that the Spanish international was available on the transfer market. Manchester United and Arsenal had been heavy favourites to land the former Gunner, but Arsenal were believed to also have a clause in their former captain’s contract which allows them to have first pick on the central-midfielder.

However, Arsenal reportedly passed on the chance to sign Fabregas as they felt he did not fit their current plans and Chelsea have taken advantage by making an official £27 million bid.

Many have lambasted Arsenal’s decision to snap up Fabregas, with many believing he could have ignited an attack on the title next season for the Gunners.

However, Keown insists he was not taken aback by the decision from Wenger and co.

Keown told the Sport Review: “I’m not surprised [they don't want to re-sign him]. After Fàbregas left, Arsene Wenger had to invest time in someone else and he doesn’t want to block their path if Fàbregas comes back.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is someone who can play in that central midfield position as well as Jack Wilshere of course.

“Wenger probably feels he’s more than catered for in that attacking midfield area – it’s a defensive midfielder that’s going to be more purposeful in that Arsenal squad now.

“I do believe Fàbregas would improve any team in the world so of course, he deserves special consideration but there are only so many £30m players you can buy every summer. Arsène Wenger has just signed a new three-year contract and I’m not sure he’ll be signing another one so he might think if he’s going to spend £30m, he would prefer it to be on a centre forward than another midfielder.”

Fabregas won the Squawka award for ‘Best Possession’ in a match seven times this season for Barcelona.