The Blues tie up a deal for the Spain international.
Chelsea have completed the signing of FC Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabergas on a five-year contract.
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona: http://t.co/HisZOFO45O pic.twitter.com/TEGC0E6dhs
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) June 12, 2014
Respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague reports that the West Londoners paid £26.5m up front with variables.
Even though Barcelona have not said it, the deal is 33 million euros plus variables.
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 12, 2014
The Spain international joins the Blues despite having been captain of their fierce London rivals Arsenal and spending eight years with the club between 2003 and 2011.
Fabregas then moved onto boyhood club Barca, but failed to truly settle back at the Nou Camp and was even booed by his own fans during the 2013/14 campaign.
The Gunners had the option to re-sign the 27-year-old first, but rejected the chance, something which the Spaniard has confirmed.
“Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future,” Fabregas wrote on his Facebook page.
“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice.
“They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager.
“I am fully committed to this team and I can’t wait to start playing.”
Fabregas will join up with his new teammates at Stamford Bridge after competing with Spain at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and is expected to be a long-term replacement for the departing Frank Lampard.
The Spanish star and Jose Mourinho have previously had issues with each other, but appear to have put that behind them as the duo prepare to work together for the first time.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.