Rumour: Arsenal poised to launch £35 million bid for ex-Gunner Cesc Fabregas

Barcelona’s Cesc Fabragas: Future tense

Arsenal are poised to lodge a £35 million bid for ex-Gunner Cesc Fabregas after he revealed to Arsene Wenger that he wishes to leave Barcelona, writes the Metro.

Newly instated Barca boss Luis Enrique is not thought to be an admirer of Fabregas, which casts serious doubt on the 27-year-old’s future at the Camp Nou.

Manchester United worked hard in last year’s summer transfer window to lure the Spaniard to Old Trafford, but Gerardo Martino rejected the English club’s advances.

Now Arsenal have emerged as the front-runners to land Fabregas, as they look to strengthen their ranks ahead of a title charge next term.

A buy-back clause stipulated in Fabregas’s contract ensures that Arsenal have first refusal on their former superstar, allowing them to steal a march on United should Louis van Gaal wish to pursue him.

Although Wenger is not necessarily in the market for another playmaker – given the multitude of creative players already at the club – Fabregas is considered too good to pass up on.