Why Arsenal won't sell Cesc for £35m... and could keep him for another year

By John Cross

Published 22:58 04/05/11

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Cesc Fabregas could be the central figure in the biggest transfer saga for the second summer running.

But it might be that events in January mean a move from Arsenal to Barcelona is further away than ever.

The mind-boggling fees of £50million and £35m paid for Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll respectively not only succeeded in blowing people away but also completely destabilised the whole transfer market.

Torres arrived at Chelsea with injury doubts and has flopped so far. Carroll is raw and unproven - Liverpool paid for potential rather than pedigree.

Now compare that to Fabregas's value. To Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, the man is priceless - especially as they are under no pressure to sell.

Fabregas is 24, has four years left on his contract and is a European Championship and World Cup winner. He has incredible, proven talent.

That's why it is laughable to read that Arsenal would readily accept £35m.

Fabregas has - rather like Torres - had an injury-plagued season, and playing for Spain at the World Cup has clearly taken its toll. But if Chelsea were willing to pay £50m for an injury-plagued striker who was 26 (and has now turned 27) and was anxious to leave Liverpool, what does that make Fabregas worth?

About two Andy Carrolls and then some.

Barcelona don't have that sort of cash.

Depending on who you listen to, they are either wealthy or in financial trouble. But either way, they don't have cash to burn. There's no presidential election this summer [where candidates can use big-name signings to win votes] either.

Furthermore, Barcelona would argue they won't pay a record fee for a player who has had persistent injury problems.

That's fine by Arsenal. They don't want to sell him.

Other clubs may be interested in Fabregas and may spark the saga. But Fabregas has a deep affection for Arsenal, is captain and is in no rush to leave. He's also made it very clear that he would never join another English club.

Being honest, it's Barcelona or nothing. And after the January transfer auction, it may well be that Fabregas sits tight at Arsenal until Wenger says otherwise and helps the club end their wait for a trophy.

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