Well, it seems that Cesc Fabregas’ time in at Chelsea and English football is close to an end. The Blues have agreed to allow the Spaniard to join Monaco and link-up with former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry in the principality.
The 31-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with Monaco. However, according to Sky Sports Chelsea will not sanction his exit until they find a replacement. Sky also claims that the Blues are close to signing Leonardo Paredes from Zenit St Petersburg and Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella. Either player’s arrival will green light Fabregas’ move to Monaco.
Enjoyed a long career England
Cesc Fabregas has spent the vast majority of his football 15-year career in English football, with just three years spent in his homeland at boyhood club Barcelona. In fact, the 31-year-old midfielder has made over 500 appearances in the English Premier League in a long career.
Fabregas is a superbly technically gifted player, whose vision has often been overshadowed by the feeling he has not quite lived up to his hyped potential early in his career.
While he maybe did not score as many goals as he could, Fabregas used that aforementioned vision to be a fountain of creativity for his teammates at Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Out of favour at Chelsea
Until talk of a transfer, I completely forgot that Cesc Fabregas was still at Chelsea, such was his lack of appearances for the Blues of late. The Spaniard appeared for the Blues in a 2-0 FA Cup third round tie against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, a game in which he missed a penalty kick. As he was substituted, he seemed to confirm his exit by waving farewell to the fans.
It was a rare appearance for Fabregas who has made just six Premier League appearances this season, five of those coming from the bench. In truth, it seemed like Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri did not fancy him, hence his lack of minutes.
Sarri is not the only Chelsea boss to limit Fabregas’ game time, as the Spaniard has made just 38 Premier League starts over the last two seasons. Arguably, that is a decent number of appearances, but for a player of Fabregas’ quality not to be starting is unfortunate.
The midfielder may not have the same energetic style of his younger days or the legs, largely due to starting his career at such a young age. However, the fact that his biggest attribute is his football intelligence means he can still perform at a high level.
Fabregas is still highly capable of playing in the Premier League. However, competition for places in that midfield is fierce and boss Sarri wants to bring his own players into the club.
Monaco in a relegation scrap
It seems that Cesc Fabregas has chosen the right time to move on from playing in the Premier League. His choice of next destination is an interesting one. However, maybe the deciding factor in the move was Henry’s presence as head coach in the principality.
Monaco are currently odds of 10/3 to suffer relegation from Ligue One. The odds make Henry’s team fourth favourite for the drop, yet they are currently second from bottom in the table and four points away from safety.
Henry has struggled to turn things around, so needs to attempt to bring in as much quality as possible in the January transfer window. Fabregas is a no-brainer of a signing really for Monaco and should add quality to the centre of the park.
The timing seems right for everybody. Fabregas still has a lot to give, Monaco needs quality additions and he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea. The Spaniard has enjoyed a very good career and he will go down as a Premier League icon.
Is it the right time for Cesc Fabregas to leave Chelsea?
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