Real Madrid Battle Barcelona for the Right To Sign Cesc Fabregas

Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are now after the Arsenal star, after Barcelona's attempt to sign him failed earlier this year.

The former Chelsea boss may be seen as one of the best managers in the world, but he is still going to find it hard to persuade Cesc to move to Madrid.

The skipper was a youth player at Real's rivals, Barcelona. If he does move, then the chances are that where he will go, but Jose isn't going to give up on him.

He nearly joined Barca in the summer, but a plea from Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger, kept him in London.

Madrid will be placing a bid of £35 million o the table for the midfielder, or they could offer a part exchange with defender Ezequiel Garay, midfielders Lassana and Mahamadou Diarra or Gago.

A insider at the Bernabeu said, "Mourinho has decided to convince Cesc personally he can be the next leader of the team."

Barcelona will also renew there bid to get the player. Club president Sandro Rosell has said, "This matter is so important I am personally prepared to negotiate with Arsenal."

Fabregas has been at Arsenal since signing for them in 2003 at the age of seventeen. He has been an iconic player for them over the years and will be remembered by the Arsenal fans when he does finally move.

Arsenal found it tough keeping Cesc in the summer when Barca where after him; now, it has moved up a level as they will be competing with two Spanish giants in the summer.