Who Would You Replace Cesc Fabregas With, If He Did Depart Arsenal?

Rumour has it that Arsenal are allowing a week for Spanish giants Barcelona to negotiate with captain Cesc Fabregas. It is rumoured that if Arsenal lose their Champions League qualification tie against Celtic, the Spaniard will depart immediately.

The midfield maestro, who previously played for the youth sides at Barcelona before switching to the Gunners, is a vital part of the Arsenal play and to see him leave would be a huge blow for the Arsenal community.

The 21-year-old brings great vision, an excellent passing ability, leadership, and playmaking skills to the Arsenal attack.

So if the unthinkable does occur, who should replace Fabregas at Arsenal?

Fernardo Gago - Real Madrid

"El Pinta" is a strong, quick and smart midfield who has a strong passing range. At 23 the Madrid man still has his best years a head of him and would provide a stable replacement if Fabregas departed.

Marek Hamsik - Napoli

The Slovenian is fast, competitive and is blessed with sensational vision and passing. Hailed as the next best thing, the Napoli midfield is being chased by all the big name clubs. At 22 the youngster still has a huge future, and though he would be highly expensive, costing around 20-25 million. Barcelona are said to be offering 40 million for "Cesc".

Daniele De Rossi - AS Roma

The 26-year-old Italian midfield has great strength and playmaking skills. Although he plays a more defensive role then Fabregas, his presence would be felt and he would no doubt contribute to the Arsenal attack. However, it is rumoured he would cost up to 30 million.

Gökhan Inler - Udinese

The Swiss midfielder has experience and a great passing game, and would be a stable replacement if Fabregas left. He is a born leader and is blessed with an amazing footballing brain and great vision. Would cost up to 15 million.

Andrea Pirlo - AC Milan

The World Cup-winning Italian would certainly be a replacement. L'architetto (the architect), as he is known, can create chances out of nothing and has great experience. He would cost a bundle but who knows if Fabregas were to leave maybe Pirlo would be the answer.

João Moutinho - Sporting Lisbon

The Portuguese playmaker is quick, aggressive and smart. He is strong with both feet and can score cracker goals. At 22 he still has his best days a head of him plus he is a great leader, evident in his performances for Lisbon.

Angelo Palombo - Sampdoria

The fierce, hard tackling, hard working midfield who has a great defensive games would help make up for the lack of physicality in the Arsenal midfield. Palombo has a fierce tackle, great tenacity, body strength, and he reads the game beautifully.

Alan Elizbarovich Dzagoev - CSKA Moscow

The Russian teenager has a huge future and has already been touted as the next big thing. He would be relatively cheap and could be moulded into a better Fabregas, if that's possible.

Hopefully Fabregas won't depart the Emirates and Arsenal have a successfully season.