Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders to lure Cesc Fabregas back to the Premier League after Arsenal indicated that they would not be taking up their option to re-sign their former captain from Barcelona.
Fabregas is regarded by Chelsea as a potential long-term successor to Frank Lampard, who announced on Monday night that he was leaving Stamford Bridge. As many as 16 clubs have sounded out Lampard, with the new Major League Soccer franchise New York City the favourites to sign him from March 2015.
Fabregas has been informed he can leave the Camp Nou this summer after three seasons back at the Catalan club. Barca and their new manager, Luis Enrique, are seeking to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, a move that would limit the 27-year-old’s first-team opportunities. The Spain international is disappointed Arsenal have opted against trying to bring him back but he is willing to consider other options in England.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all considered moves for the midfielder in the past but it is understood their respective priorities lie elsewhere in the market this summer. Chelsea had hoped to secure Koke themselves as they seek to replace Lampard, who will make a decision on his future after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Lampard leaves after 13 seasons at Chelsea in which he played 648 times and scored a record 211 goals for the club, who responded to his announcement by describing him as “one of the all-time greats”….
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