Manchester United have been showing great interest in Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas over the last month. They have already had two bids rejected for the player, while they are reported to be preparing a third bid in the region of £ 40 million for the 26-year-old. Arsenal are thought to have inserted a ‘first refusal’ clause in his deal that saw him move to the camp Nou in 2011. Barcelona paid close to £ 35 million for the Spaniard, and it is thought that they are looking at around £ 45 million as his valuation.
Arsene Wenger, though, looks highly unlikely to utilise the ‘first refusal’ clause has Arsenal appear to be intent on signing a striker rather than a midfielder. Over the last few months, Arsenal have been linked with the likes of Higuain, Wayne Rooney, and Luis Suarez. Wenger has said that he does not think Fabregas will quit his Barcelona dream after just two years. Even though Fabregas played in most of the matches for Barcelona last season, he was not happy at the way he was utilised by the club. Fabregas was played in a number of positions, while he was also continuously substituted as well.
He is prepared to see how it goes under new manager Gerardo Martino.
“What I know is that Fabregas will stay on more year, at least, in Barcelona. That’s the information I have. If that changes, I don’t know. But that’s what I’ve been told,” said Wenger. “He has a contract with us. We count on Cesc. I said that on the day of the presentation of Tito (Vilanova) and also with Tata (new coach Gerardo Martino). He’s an extraordinary player who creates and finishes chances. We are delighted with him. He’s the number four of Barca,” said Barcelona’s sporting director.