The Gunners do not want the Barca star despite his willingness to return.
Arsenal have turned down the chance to re-sign Cesc Fabregas from FC Barcelona this summer despite the midfielder being keen on a return to the club he spent eight years at, reports respected BBC journalist David Ornstein.
Arsenal have informed Barcelona they won’t be exercising buy-back option on Fabregas. He was keen but #afc not seeking a creative midfielder
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) June 5, 2014
This development leaves Chelsea as the favourites to acquire the out of favour Spain international, with the Metro reporting they have offered Fabregas a £200,000-a-week contract to convince him to come to Stamford Bridge.
Barca would except an offer of around £30m for the Spaniard and with the Blues needing someone to replace the departing Frank Lampard, this deal appears to be the perfect fit.
Yet the Independent reports that manager Jose Mourinho is unsure whether Fabregas is what his side needs, especially as the pair have had public disputes in the past.
This would leave just Manchester United as a potential destination for the Spanish star, who initially were thought to be down the pecking order due to their lack of Champions League football for next season.
Yet with no clubs – including his own – seeming to want Fabregas, a switch to Old Trafford to work under highly respected coach Louis van Gaal may be the best option.
Gunners fans are sure to see this as a betrayal, after the midfield ace spent eight years in north London before a return to Catalonia in 2011 – although with the club rejecting the player, there is little else he can do.
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