SOCCER:CESC FABREGAS last night finally got his dream move back to Barcelona as Arsenal confirmed they had agreed terms for the sale of their captain.
While Arsenal were always determined to keep Fabregas, who joined them from the Spanish club in 2003 as a raw teenager, it became clear this summer the player was no longer committed to the Arsenal cause.
The European champions had seen a €30 million offer rebuffed earlier in the summer as Arsenal remained steadfast in their demands over a €45 million fee for their midfielder.
However, with Barcelona not willing to significantly up their cash bid, and Arsene Wenger admitting the player was unsettled, Arsenal reluctantly have allowed a cut-price deal to go through.
The package is widely reported to include a down payment of €30 million, with an additional €6 million in performance-based add-ons at a later stage.
There are also suggestions Fabregas is prepared to waive the €4 million compensation he would be entitled to for the remainder of his long-term Arsenal contract, as technically the player never asked for a transfer.
In a statement on Arsenal’s club’s official website, Wenger last night expressed his disappointment at Fabregas’s departure.
“We have been clear that we didn’t want Cesc to leave and that remains the case,” he said.
“However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona.
“We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.”
Fabregas had, officially at least, been struggling for match fitness because of a hamstring injury which saw him miss the club’s Asia Tour and other pre-season games.
Wenger omitted his captain from the Emirates Cup and the World Cup winner was not selected for Saturday’s fixture at Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have the advantage of two away goals after holding Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup last night.
Real started stronger and Mesut Ozil put the hosts in front after only 13 minutes.
David Villa levelled with a stunning shot in the 35th, and Lionel Messi scampered through to make it 2-1 just before the break.
Real stormed back in the second half Xabi Alonso equalising early on, but despite creating the better chances Barcelona hold the edge going into Wednesday’s second leg at the Camp Nou.
