Cesc Fabregas: Case Closed Or Just Delayed?

Gooners Rejoice

Here it is, the moment all Gooners have been waiting for ever since last season came to an end…Cesc Fabregas has vowed to stay with the Gunners, for this season at least. Though it won’t have the same effect as LeBron James' now infamous “THE DECISION”, this could have long term consequences for Fabregas.

Cesc or the “traitor” as he will be affectionately be known in a year, by either the Blaugrana faithful or the Gooners, has decided it is in his best interest to stay with Arsenal (oops I mean Arsene) Football Club.

He will continue to fight for (some) silverware – though it’s an uphill battle at best. All summer long he has been flirting with his 1^st Love which is – FC Barcelona. But since Arsenal have made it very clear that they don’t intend to sell their captain/best player/heart and brain, Cesc has resigned himself to spend the next season in London.

At any point during the summer he could’ve made his so called “love and affection” for Arsenal (or is it really Arsene) be known – he didn’t. Which shows what kind of man he really is. In contrast if you would ask Andres Iniesta the very same question – you would get an instant reply. That’s how much they – the true La Masia products answer.

Win-Win-Win

From a neutral point of view, it is the best thing that could’ve happened to both teams. FC Barcelona don’t waste 40-plus-million Euro on a player who would’ve warmed the bench anyway, Arsenal (Arsene – are those two really different entities?) keep hold of their most prized asset AND genuine canteranos like Thiago Alcantara, Jonathan Dos Santos and Oriol Romeu get their chance to shine.

Summer 2011

Just because the transfer didn’t come to fruition in 2010 doesn’t mean it won’t happen in 2011. Another trophyless season – which is more than likely, no offense, but when Liverpool can drop out of the top 4, so can the Gunners. As Arsene Wenger correctly pointed out – in the EPL the competition is more broad especially since they count nouveau riche Manchester City among their competitors. Not to mention their error-prone goalkeeping tandem of Almunia and Fabianski who are very reliable in dropping the ball.

As much as lovers of the beautiful game root for Arsenal – I am one of those – it’s not likely that they will win any kind of silverware soon. Arsene’s reluctance to get rid of his useless Goalkeeper(s) and his cautious approach in the transfer market won’t deliver the Gooners the much desired success on the pitch.

Manchester City came close in securing a Champions League spot last season and judging by the quality they have acquired over the last couple of weeks, this season promises to become a much closer contest. The likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva, Carlos Tevez have a genuine claim on being world-class (talents) while the possible signing of Mario Balotelli (who is an Arsenal-type of player) should only strengthen their squad even more. Meanwhile Cesc is condemned to play with bargains like Chamakh or Nicklas Bendtner – who, let’s face it wouldn’t make the starting eleven of any other top team in the EPL. Robin Van Persie – that’s class right there but it’s just a matter of time before he gets injured again.

Home Sweet Home…and some trophies

FC Barcelona boast one of the strongest (if not the strongest) starting eleven possible. Whereas Arsenal are short on options up front, the Blaugrana have plenty. Theo Walcott? His feet are quicker than his brain. Pedro just needed 1 season to prove what he is made of, he might not be as quick as Walcott but then again who is? But Pedro usually makes the right decisions bar the World Cup semi-final.

The bottom line is, Cesc Fabregas is more likely to leave the Gunners for the Blaugrana rather sooner than later. The question is – will they still want him. It is evident that Thiago Alcantara is one outlandishly gifted player and if he steps up to the plate like Busquets and Pedro in preceding seasons there won’t be any reason to chase Cesc Fabregas anymore.

Cesc made up his mind 7 years ago when he left for England now he should stick with the decision he made. There’s no place like home…but he could’ve thought about it ages ago not when it is convenient for him.