To be blunt, yes there is.
If we are to believe the media, and what we are all reading is true, then apparently Cesc Fabregas will be donning the new Barca kit this season. However, I truly believe that if he does move to the Camp Nou, he will more than likely be warming the bench!
In my opinion, Cesc will find it very difficult to break into the starting line-up at the Camp Nou and be picked ahead of his Spanish counterparts, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. They may need to change there current 4-3-3 formation in order to fit Fabregas in their side. However, this looks highly unlikely to ensue.
What I would love to see is how Fabregas would handle the transition of being Arsenal captain, and probably the most important player of our beloved club, to just becoming an average player in an overachieving team. Will he be able to accept this?
Cesc will be just another face in a crowd, especially as he will be watching a majority of the games from the bench, or even quite possibly the Camp Nou stands. Sure, Cesc will be elated with the prospect of once again playing with his schoolboy chums, but will it all work out for the best? Will Cesc live up to the hype or crumble under the pressure?
One thing I always like to reflect on is – why did Barca let Cesc leave in the first place. If he was so good, why did they let him depart?
Looking at Arsenal’s options to replace Fabregas, its does seem as if they aren’t in such a bad position upon Cesc’s departure. We have Abou Diaby (when he’s healthy), Samir Nasri (If he stays put), and Aaron Ramsey.
In my opinion, Ramsey would be the most suitable option, if Nasri leaves of course. However, Diaby, if fit and strong, should be able to step into Cesc’s role in the central midfield as well, and will be playing in front of the heart and soul of our team Alex Song and Jack Wilshere.
In the event that we tie down want-away Nasri to a new deal, then he could also be a suitable candidate to replace Cesc, seeing as he prefers the middle of the park over the flanks. He could certainly be more effective in this role. However, it is up to him to stay.
In conclusion, Arsenal have plenty of talent to spread around the midfield if Cesc leaves, and us Arsenal fans must not worry and press the panic button.
Wenger is arguably one of the greatest managers in Europe and always has a plan brewing. Let’s not lose all faith in him.
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At last some perspective on the Cesc issue… Arsene knows what he’s doing.. however the premiership has changed hugely since the big money owners arrived and so winning trophies has become increasingly difficult. Us gooners should be more realistic considering our wage structure and strong financial ethos. Spending big could lead us to disaster rather than instant glory.
I don’t normally post comments on sites, however, feel after hearing whoever you are comment on Diaby being able to step up into the Cesc role, and without sounding too blunt, you my friend needd to take a VERY, long walk off a short pier! I don’t even know you, where you’re from, your footballing talents, but I’d rather have you instead of that piece of shite!!!
Our wage structure has to increase given the rate of taxation no in the UK. That said I think Cesc will play a lot at Barsa, his preence will add, prolong both Xavi and Iniesta’s career. They will probably be rotated a great deal keeping whoever is on the pitch fresher. Baarsa probably did not think he would be the player he became under Wenger, and therefore let him go. They have to pay 40 mil though becuase their tapping the boy up is insulting arrogance and one of the reasons my Cuban ancestors so dislike Spaniards.
I’m back to comment on Alex’ comment.
So, ‘lead us to disaster’? what do you call the last 6 yrs?!?!?!?
The mighty Arsenal, previous champions, CL contenders, FA & Carling Cup winners. Bergkamp, Viera, Adams, Wright, all Legends (Henry can go f**k himself!) and now we’re faced with our club/manager, whoever you wanna blame for letting our CAPTAIN leave whilst he’s still in contract AND for £20m less than he’s worth! Nasri (mediocre) demanding a pay rise when he’s got a year left on his contract and going to our rivals! Fans booing the team when we don’t do well and shutting the f**k up when we’re not playing well against any team!!! Where is the support? What are the club doing? Board seems to be interested in slagging off old board members, taking down pages from the club website where fans, who ultimately pay the damn wages of the players and staff post comments stating their true feelings! WTF?!?!?! I for one think something needs to be done – USMANOV!!!!!!!!!!!
HE wants to spend, and bring in quality players, which is what every fan wants and I won’t beleive those that say Diaby is good enough! If he was, he’d be playing, EVERY GAME!!!! and WAGE STRUCTURE? you mean the tight bar stewards running the club not wanting to pay the same wages as other teams winning things?!?!? so, basically, let’s charge the fans more for less?! Pay more money to see lesser quality players win nothing?!?!? The board need to F**K off, Wenger needs to come out and tell the players in contract to shut the F**K up and play or rot in the reserves, Cesc needs to go, Nasri CAN go, NEXT YEAR for what he’s worth – NOTHING! Diaby, Nicky B, Vela, Rosicky, Almunia, all out! Spend everything we get for them on Hazard, Cahill, Jan Vortenghan, Samba, Gervinho (WHY?!?!?!?!) and bid for players like Sneijder, Higiuin, Aguero! Why are we never linked with big name players?!?! Cos we make them and then sell em, or as it’s become apparent, we sell them whilst they’re in the making (Nasri) and then let em go for nothing! Screw the Arsenal until they can sort out whatever’s going on in-house!!!!
our wages are ok. Did you know that Thiery Henry was the most paid player in the EPL during his time at Arsenal. Do you also know that Spanish press is suggesting that Fabregas will accept a pay cut in order to play for Barca. Arsenal pays when a player has proved himself. the problem with Nasri is that he hasnt proved himself like Fab4 and Henry14. he is a half season wonder. the same applied to adebayor he had 1 season in which he scored 30+ goals and his wages were doubled. the following season he scored 16 but wanted more money and he went to city.
The reason why there’s so much flak on Wenger is because Arsenal is still at the top despite not spending big (and not winning trophies). If the criticism is so widespread, it just shows how the society’s changed over those few years. Europe in general is leaning to the right and assuming more and more extreme stances (nationalism, racism, etc.). Add to this the fact that we do have a good enough team which somehow consistently fails to make that decisive step and simply become the best. It’s not that easy, and it won’t become easier without Wenger/with Usmanov. Part of the game Arsenal are playing right now is not to succumb to the overall tendency, which calls for the teams and players to be as flashy as possible. This means spending, this means going around drunk and beating random people. This means going against the spirit of the big team, turning the team logo into just another roadsign. I agree (and disagree) about Diaby, he did improve this season, but it’s already too late. He’s already become a liability. Ramsey, on the other hand, has lots of room for improvement, and Arsenal in general can boast a very decent midfield without both Cesc and Nasri. I also agree about captaincy – I never really liked the idea that Cesc should be the skipper, Van Persie would be better, and if not him, then one of the more consistent players, those who don’t spend half a season in hospital. But that’s one thing Wenger failed to retain, and it was the same with Henry. Neither of the players really is the kind of man to be a skipper in a team that aspires to the highest titles. It takes more guts, toughness, aggression, and also identification with the club. Cesc said he loves Barca more a zillion times, he did it even when he was just strating with Arsenal. But that’s a mistake that can easily be corrected. And which doesn’t require of anyone to tremble at the very thought that Cesc might leave.
For those of you who do think from time to time, consider the fact that buying Aguero or Sneijder would force Wenger to refashion the team completely, and that without guaranteeing that they would actually fit. What if they wouldn’t? 50 mil turned to rubbish. One such acquisition and arsenal stand to become virtually penniless. And that means less transfer or more rubbish transfers. It really don’t pay. Gervinho is a safer bet, he’s got the style, skill, tenacity, plus he’s relatively injury-free.
Of course there’s life!!! Leave Fabregay to go to see his mommy… Goodbye BIG CAPTAIN… you guided us through many trophies….
Buy Parker and Fellaini for midfield…
Fellaini and parker are rubbish thats why westham was relegated
If Cesc don’t go now, i see problems for AFC.
His love affair(Barca) has caused us problems last season, and he is the captain of our side, what message that sent to our players, no wonder they collapsed and died.
Cesc has played out his time at AFC and now the rebuilding should start, recreate the team spirit that was once there. It was clear last season that it was gone, and players were affected.
Let him go life goes on.