Transfer rumors this time of year tend to be based largely on inventive speculation. However, one particular narrative seems to be gaining a little bit of steam: Cesc Fabregas could seemingly be headed from Chelsea to Manchester City.
Things have been okay for the Blues of late. They recently made quick work of Manchester United (and former manager José Mourinho) and, as of this writing, they sit just a point back of first in the Premier League table. But in the midst of this success, 29-year-old midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been largely left out of the picture, with N’Golo Kante emerging in his position.
That has some believing early rumors that the winter transfer window could see Fabregas leaving London.
Indeed, there have even been a few specifics reported. With Man City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly concerned about a lack of creativity in his midfield, there could be a £20 million offer on the table for Fabregas. That’s not a huge step down from the £30 million Chelsea paid for Fabregas back in 2014, particularly given that the former Barcelona standout has played under 90 minutes this Premier League season. But it remains to be seen if a move to Man City would improve the midfielder’s standing.
It’s been suggested that the move makes little sense for Fabregas, because he could be stepping into a similar role he played under Guardiola at Barcelona. At the giant Catalan club, breaking through the midfield triumvirate of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets proved impossible for Fabregas, and he could be looking at a similar challenge in Manchester.
Standing out among the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, and Kelechi Iheanacho could prove difficult.
For his part, however, Fabregas would seem to have no issue with suiting up for Guardiola again. Asked recently to choose between Guardiola and Mourinho, he said “I have a very good relationship with both,” and also noted, “I cannot answer which football I like the most,” in reference to the managers’ respective styles.
His feelings toward Antonio Conte, we can only guess, are less warm. It’s beginning to sound very much like Fabregas would be amenable to a move to Manchester City, and that makes this one early transfer rumor one we should keep a close eye on.