Arsenal ponder swapping Fabregas for next young star
Published:Barcelona may finally complete their capture of Cesc Fabregas in the summer, but Arsenal could want to prize away another one of their young startlets as part of any deal.
The Fabregas return to Barcelona has been rumbling on for close to two seasons now, but Arsenal have somehow managed to hang on to their captain for the time being.
Rumours last summer were that Barcelona were readying a £50m deal and Fabregas himself was even pranked into wearing a Barcelona shirt in Spain’s celebrations after winning the World Cup.
However, with Arsenal keen to bring through Jack Wilshere to eventually replace Fabregas, the belief is that the Spaniard was encouraged to stay for one last season to help the progression to the first team of the now 19-year-old.
This season is now close to ending, but Barcelona may be struggling financially to afford to pay Arsenal’s asking price in one sum, particularly after splashing out on David Villa, Javier Mascherano, Adriano and Ibrahim Afellay in the past season.
Therefore, they may have to consider giving up one or two of their young stars of the future as part of any deal and according to Talksport, Thiago Alcantara is the player that is most appealing to Arsene Wenger.
Alcantara has been a star in Barcelona’s B team in the past season and has also made the odd appearance under Pep Guardiola for the first team.
He may be an initial step back for Arsenal if swapped with Fabregas, but Wenger would be signing a player with significant untapped potential and a player who has been touted as the next Xavi in some quarters.
Although not possessing the same calibre of passing and ball retention as Fabregas, Alcantara attacks in a different manner.
His impressive dribbling, skill and speed is far superior to Fabregas and would add some extra energy to Arsenal’s attacks and a potential counter attacking partnership with Theo Walcott could be a joy to watch.
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