It is not our policy to comment on unfounded media speculation. We have received no official approach from any club for the signature of Cesc and with this in mind

It has been a little while since I wrote a blog, it hasn’t all been my fault. A nasty virus on top of a broken laptop charger is responsible for that.

In my absence, the Cesc story has taken a dramatic turn. From pretty much nothing taking place to erm nothing taking place, ok perhaps a little more than nothing, but not enough to be something. Perhaps something but only a little of something.

Cesc Fabregas has stuck a footin the Barcelona door and his other left in the Arsenal door with his first comments on the matter.

Speaking to the media our former/current (delete as appropriate) captain said.

“I am only focused on the World Cup, not my future at Arsenal.”

“It’s up to Arsenal to decide.

“I’m loved more at Arsenal than I am in my own home.”

He was also asked if he could guarantee that he would be at Arsenal for the new season and he replied ‘No’

Apparently Barcelona are set to fax a bid of £34.12 plus a carrier bag of chocolates. It seems as if that is what Barcelona value him at. Oh ok, if that is the case then you can just have him because you are Barcelona and we should be privileged that you have shown more interest in our players.

You know what I would like to happen? Arsene and Ivan Gazidis to come out and say something along the lines of

We wanted to respect Cesc’s decision to go back home if the correct bid came in but the way Barcelona have behaved on and off record means that we will not lower ourselves to do business with a club who use underhand tactics, even if they offered us £100 million, it would be going against what we stand for at Arsenal Football Club.

I would have to stand up slowly and applaud, whilst weeping a tear of joy, overcome with the emotion and pride of it all. That way teams who want our players would have to learn to take the correct channels when wanting to buy our players.

We should then offer Cesc to Real Madrid and laugh when the buy him hahaha…oh, wait a minute. That is not funny and I do not want Cesc to go anywhere. Punishing Barcelona took over my life for a brief moment.

Whatever happens, I just hope we stand firm and don’t back down just because we do not want to keep a player who wants away. Cesc’s value will remain as he still has a large long highly paid contract which I am pretty sure he wasn’t held at gun point to sign.

We have yet to hear directly from Arsene Wenger but the Cesc’s father has been on the blower to Spain’s Radio Marca and has said.

“Arsenal has to respect the player’s wishes, Negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona are going to be very long. Both sides are going to have to sit down several times because it’s a complicated matter.”

“I have the feeling the English club does not want to sell him but in the end it will yield and let Cesc go,”

If those comments are true then it pretty much confirms the intentions of our captain, ow! that doesn’t sound very nice does it? I am not so sure that we should give Van Persie the captaincy if Cesc leaves, wouldn’t want him to get the old itchy armband syndrome and leave.

I think the negotiations with Barca should be drawn out as long as possible, at least until the presidential elections are over and done with, once the ego also known as Laporta has said his goodbyes then we will know how serious Barcelona are.

It will be sad if he does leave the club, a wonderful talent that has developed into a world beater under Wenger but I do not like how his possible departure is used to attack our manager. Why does this mean that Cesc does not believe in his team mates or in our manager? Rubbish. If Cesc was itching to move to Chelsea or Inter Milan then that point could be made with some justification but he wants to join his boyhood club regardless of how we are doing. Those same people who blame Wenger have a habit of not mentioning Ronaldo pushing for a move away from Manchester United last season who had just won the Premier League to join, yes! you’ve guessed it, his boyhood club.

An Arsenal Vision reader contacted the club in regards to the Cesc situation, asking for an explanation of the rumours and this was the response from the club.

Many thanks for your email.

The Club, of course, understands the frustration felt by supporters at the current transfer speculation surrounding the future of Cesc Fabregas.

It is not our policy to comment on unfounded media speculation. We have received no official approach from any club for the signature of Cesc and with this in mind, it would be remiss of us to engage further on reports linking our captain with a move away from the Club.

However, as I am sure that you know, Cesc has a long term contract here and he is very much part of our future plans. Our focus is on keeping our bright and talented young squad of players together in order to make strides forward next season.

Thanks for your continued support.

Kind regards

Communications Department
Arsenal Football Club

Obviously it is a little more than just unfounded media speculation but as Barcelona have not yet made a bid for the player then nothing is worth going official. We have the aces and we need to play hardball. Set a price for the player and keep that valuation, if Barcelona do not manage to meet it then tough luck for both Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas. At least that is how I hope it will unfold.

If Arsene is able to spend the money made for outgoing players then I am confident that he can rebuild our team to a competitive level, we might even be able to build a stronger team. If money is not reinvested then I would be a little concerned about our short term future, but hey, I am jumping the gun a little. A certain debt ridden club need to stump up £40-£60 million plus before we can think about that.

Back to the Spaniards and boyhood clubs debate, Fran Merida has joined Atletico Madrid. It is a shame because he was a young player who I have always admired but at the same time I can understand his decision. Lack of games in the first team, players such as Aaron Ramsey ahead of him and a chance to join… I think you know the rest. The thought of Merida playing against Cesc next season brings a tear to my eye. Sort of.

Onto a somewhat nicer topic, we completed the signing of Marouane Chamakh and I liked the way he came across. Sounds like a very intelligent young man who is hungry for success. I have pretty much spoken about everything about him though as this has been dragged out for an eternity.

Change of formation.
Partnership with Van Persie
Strength in the air
Work rate

Yep, pretty much said it all but I am looking forward to watching him in the Emirates cup. What are the chances of him scoring in his debut from a Cesc assist? *sniff*

I think these players should all listen to Hleb and Pires who have urged our players to stay put. Another player apparently itching is Sol Campbell. He says he is seriously considering the move to Scotland. In many ways I can understand that choice. The chance to play first team football more frequently as well as playing in an easier league which may not require burning himself out as often as he may in the English Premier League.

Another player reported to want to jump ship is Mexican striker Carlos Vela, he has been a little coy in regards to where he will be playing his football in future. I don’t see any reason why we should let him leave Arsenal, unless Arsene believes that he will not reach the standard required to succeed at either Arsenal or English football. A loan spell for 6-12 months at another club would allow Carlos to prove his worth and subsequently take a spot in the first team squad on a regular basis or take his place in the shop window with proof of his ability under his belt.

I do not doubt Carlos Vela’s ability, he hasn’t been given enough games to show his worth and I suspect that he will prove himself here or very possibly elsewhere.

So to sum it all up, we are selling all of our players and will bring in none and end up in relegation until Arsene Wenger’s team prove otherwise next season.

Before I go, can I remind Facebook users that Arsenal Vision have a group that you can join here. you can put photo’s, video’s up check out others. You can start your own discussions and all that, so hopefully I shall see you there.

Back again tomorrow.

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