Dream Barcelona move finally in sight for Arsenal captain
Published:The seemingly endless Cesc Fabregas transfer saga could mercifully be concluded by the end of the month after a senior Arsenal figure alerted the BBC that they are prepared to sell to Barcelona if an offer is made that is too good to turn down.
The development has come after it was confirmed that the Gunners rejected a bid in the region of £27 million, perhaps unsurprisingly given that the Champions League winners had signalled their willingness to go as high as £35 million if necessary.
It has been reported that Arsenal are holding out for a £40 million sum but with Barca president Sandro Rosell adamant that they don’t have the funds to go that high, a compromise is expected, with the BBC quotes appearing to pave the way.
The source said: “The offer was made formally in writing to our chief executive Ivan Gazidis, and we said no straight away. If it (an improved bid) is enough then I expect we’ll have to sell.”
It is thought that if Arsene Wenger were to express a firm desire to keep Fabregas at the club, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke would consider keeping hold of the 24-year-old, who has never been quiet about his eagerness to eventually return to Spain.
Losing the World Cup winner has the potential to either be a blessing for the north Londoners if the cash is invested wisely in strengthening the squad in other areas or a catastrophe if he is followed out of the Emirates exit by French midfielder Samir Nasri.
Ladbrokes customers are taking a cautious approach when it comes to assessing their chances next season, with odds of 8/1 available on Arsenal claiming the Premier League title, and 20/1 offered on them winning the Champions League.
