Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona: Reloaded

Come another transfer window, come another edition of the Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona saga, a story which too many fans have grown too tired of. Few doubt that the Catalonian will eventually return to La Blaugrana , but the number of transfer see-saws we will be forced to watch remains undecided. With that in mind, the pros and cons of any move or each party have been considered.

Fabregas in a Barcelona shirt: Will it become a reality?

Fabregas

Why stay at Arsenal?

He is the undoubted superstar of the side. He is the central figure in most of his side’s attacking forays, where he dictates play from his advanced central midfield position. He is the skipper of the side, and handles a great deal of responsibility which he would be unlikely to command at Barca. In fact, with the established nature of Barca’s midfield, it is far from certain that Fabregas would be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Why Barca?

Fabregas has never hidden the fact that he wants to return to his boyhood club. Aside from the enticement of returning to his hometown, Barcelona can also offer something else that the Spaniard yearns for: Trophies. Lionel Messi, his partner-in-crime when coming up the youth ranks at La Masia, has amassed 11 club honours. Fabregas has one. A 6 year trophy drought for the Gunners has led to the 24 year-old growing increasingly disillusioned, with the fallibilities of Arsene Wenger’s side showing no signs of repairing themselves anytime soon. Throw in the possibility of linking up with several of his Spanish international team-mates, at a club (and league as a whole) where his style of play would fit in seamlessly, it is perfectly understandable why Fabregas has been unable to completely detach himself from Barca.

It has to be said, though, that the final outcome of this saga will be contingent to the wills of the two clubs, rather than the player himself.

Flustered Fab: Cesc has become increasingly disillusioned with the Gunners

Arsenal

Why keep Cesc?

After 6 years without a trophy, most of which has been characterized by virtual anonymity in the transfer market, the previously unflinching ‘we trust in Arsene’ brigades are becoming increasingly sparse, with fan morale reaching perhaps it’s lowest point in the last decade an a half. Champions Manchester United have strengthened with the big-money acquisitions of Phil Jones and Ashley Young, Liverpool have spent a similar amount on Jordan Henderson, and more new players are expected, and Chelsea have completed the most expensive managerial signing in history by recruiting Andre Villas-Boas from Porto. The only confirmed transfer to the Emirates thus far has been the £1m capture of Carl Jenkinson from Charlton. So, even if the club receives a sizeable transfer fee, the sale of the club’s most prized asset is bound to be met with unrest, especially at a time when their local rivals are pulling up all the stops in their bid to keep hold of their chief playmaker, Luka Modric. Also, Fabregas’ departure could be the cue for a domino effect, where players could question the club’s ambition. Several other players could look to jump ship, including the likes of Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy. Also, the Spaniard playing at the peak of his powers can only be a good thing for Arsenal in their quest to end their trophy drought.

Why let him leave?

Right off the bat, the unhealthy speculation surrounding the club during every transfer window would be taken care of, allowing the club to move on. Jack Wilshere is now a genuine first-team player, and with an anchoring midfielder alongside him, that only leaves one slot to fill in central midfield. Aaron Ramsey has completed has shown promise since his return to the fold, and it looks like he could stake a claim for a regular starting position. Seeing as Arsenal also look set to tie up a deal for Ricky Alvarez from Velez Sarsfield, Wenger wouldn’t be short of quality options. Towards the end of Thierry Henry’s Gunners tenure, it was suggested that despite his continued excellence, he was in fact hindering the team’s play, because whenever Arsenal were in possession, they invariably fed it to the Frenchman, and waited for him to make something happen, rather than being pro-creative. That may not be the case yet for Fabregas, but it certainly isn’t an outlandish possibility.

FC Barcelona

Why sign Fabregas?

It always pleases the fans to see one of their own in the club’s colours. Already a great talent, he could be further groomed by Xavi and Guardiola, ensuring that Barca won’t have to worry about the position of play maker anytime soon. Also, when faced with stubborn opposition, it would help to have an alternative approach. Fabregas has plenty of experience in these situations from his time in England. With Arsenal often camped around the opposition penalty box, the Spaniard is often the man playing in the final pass into a forward. If Arsenal don’t claim silverware soon, Fabregas’ departure would only be accelerated. If Barcelona don’t come up with the money, Fabregas could move to another club on a long-term contract, effectively preventing them from having their most ideal midfield marshal in place after Xavi’s retirement. Throw in the fact that the Spaniard’s value has arguably deteriorated, the timing could be ideal for Barca to strike a deal. Barcelona president Sandra Rosell said that “if last year we offered 40million [euros], a year has passed, it is clear that this year his value is less.”

Why not to sign him?

This is a side which has no pressing need to add players to their squad, except possibly in defensive positions. Barcelona will remain faithful to their team’s shape, with three players in midfield. One of those players has to be dynamic, with the ability to pass and move, and also to carry the ball and play incisive passes and make runs into and around the box. There is no player in the world who can better Andres Iniesta in that role. Sergio Busquets has made the holding role his own, and that leaves only the position of chief playmaker in the side, held by the team’s lynch-pin, Xavi. The pass-master is at his peak, and he can definitely play on for a few more years at least. They have competent cover in the shape of Adriano and Javier Mascherano, and also the burgeoning talent of Thiago Alcantara, who has shown great promise. The latter three provide good options and cover, without upsetting the applecart. It is hard to see Fabregas getting too excited by a bit-part role similar to the one he plays for Spain. Coming on towards the end of games in more advanced positions like he does for La Roja remains an option, but a starting position in an advanced role is unlikely. Lionel Messi’s place is guaranteed, whereas Pedro and David Villa are far more mobile, and have a better eye for goal, which is better suited for a role in Barca’s front three. Quite simply, Barca don’t need him just yet.

Side-kick: Fabregas could be reduced to the bit-part role he plays for Spain

With Barcelona having earmarked €45 million for transfers this season, the destination of Chilean Alexis Sanchez could play a huge role in Fabregas’ immediate future, as do several other factors (For example, the future of young Spaniard Thiago Alcantara). Fabregas’ future in turn could shape the transfer activity of several other clubs and vice versa. Whatever the conclusion, the vast majority of football fans will be praying for one thing: Hearing the end of a story that has played out for far, far too long.