As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
i would put this in the transfer rumour thread, but i think this is a massive story that needs its own thread.
Barcelona 'close in' on £40m Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas is reportedly close to signing for Barcelona.
The 22-year-old heads a list of five targets drawn up by Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
Barcelona are encouraged by a stream of praise from Fabregas, who last week told a Catalan radio station that anyone would want to play for the newly crowned European champions.
And the newspaper claims 'reliable sources' believe there is already a 'firm agreement' that their former trainee will rejoin the club next month.
It is estimated the fee would be in excess of £40million, though Barca could offer players in exchange or a significant chunk of cash in performance-related clauses.
Guardiola is said to have discussed targets with director of football Txiki Begiristain, Barcelona's dealmaker, on Monday.
Other than Fabregas, Barca would recall Brazilian defender Henrique, who spent the season on loan at Leverkusen.
Almeria right-back Bruno Saltor is also wanted to cover for Dani Alves and they are seeking a left-back and winger, who have yet to be identified.
Hell, it might be true this time... who knows; but how many times has Cesc been linked with Barca?? that article doesn't even have a quote in it, and refers only to a "reliable source". How many times have we read this sort of article over the years about Vieira? or Henry? or Cesc??
It's fecking endless.
Ignore it until we get a more reliable source than a fecking shite Enlgish paper reporting on a Spanish newspaper who are reporting from a "reliable source" who cannot be quoted
Not worthy of a thread, sorry... in fact, it just gives the story more oxygen, and it doesn't deserve it
I'd take £40m for him any day of the week. He didn't particularly impress me this season (injuries aside), and I think the price is far greater than his recent performances merit.
I would not sell him for less than 50 million pounds. end of story.
During the next years, hopefully next season he can make the difference and win us titles, I´m sure. His quality is outstanding.
Bring Back Pires wrote:I'd take £40m for him any day of the week. He didn't particularly impress me this season (injuries aside), and I think the price is far greater than his recent performances merit.
Pretty much sums up my thoughts.
40M is a lot and could go a long way, attack minded players are not in short supply at the club, it's the other end that's the problem.
cusamano wrote:I would not sell him for less than 50 million pounds. end of story.During the next years, hopefully next season he can make the difference and win us titles, I´m sure. His quality is outstanding.
That's how we got Ian Wright!
Ron Nodes said excately the same and wouldn't sell him for anything less then the priced of £2.5M (or whatever actuall fee was? £2.25M? call it X)
David Dein responded with. "Okay! I'll offer you (x) for Ian Wright".
RN: Really?
DD: Yes.
The deal was done!