Fàbregas – Is it the right move for Barcelona and the man himself?

Barcelona's keen interest in Francesc Fàbregas over the last few years has been one of the worst kept secrets in football.

Barca always knew, just as they did with Gerard Piqué, that Fàbregas was destined for greatness.  Understandable then was their outrage when the playmaker was snapped up for next to nothing as a teenager.

Fàbregas' rapid progression into the Arsenal first team must have only served to fuel Barcelona's sense of injustice.  The prodigy has blossomed into the kind of player the Catalans knew he could become, his steady maturation being rewarded with the Arsenal captaincy.

With Barcelona making clear their intent to re-sign their estranged wonder kid and the player making clear his desire to to return, both sides must consider the potential impact of the transfer.

On the face of it, Fàbregas seems the perfect fit for Barca.  His style of play very much fits in with the Barcelona philosophy of keeping possession, quick passing and killer balls.

He would also be considered the perfect replacement for Xavi, whenever he decides to retire.  It might be a long wait, though, to inherit the mantle from his fellow Spaniard, who signed a new six-year contract earlier this year.

The asking price for Fàbregas must surely be in excess of £50million – given both his importance to his North London club and the similar value that the more senior Kaká cost Real Madrid a year ago.  That could, however, be seen as good value compared to the sum they shelled out  on Ibrahimović.

The move could also prove beneficial to Cesc himself- seven of Spain's first eleven against Germany played for the Catalan Giants.  Fàbregas is more likely to gain recognition within Spain and break into the Spanish team if he is playing regularly in La Liga.

A similar return to Catalunya worked wonder wonders for Gerard Piqué – the former Manchester United centre back now a mainstay for club and country – and Fàbregas would hope that he could make a similar impact.

On the other hand, the 22-year old has established himself as the main man at Arsenal, forging a strong relationship with the manager and the fans.  His lack of silverware will frustrate such an unmistakeably talented player, but there's no guarantee that he would even make the starting line-up at the Camp Nou.

There's no doubt that Arsene Wenger's fast-tracking of Fàbregas has led to a rapid progression.  If he had to prove himself all over again, there is always the possibility that he could stagnate.

There is also the question of whether Barcelona really need another big money signing.  Following the acquisition of David Villa, Barca look to have one of the most complete squads around.  If they are to add Fàbregas to the mix, it could just upset the balance of the team- the same way that some suggest the Ibrahimović-Eto'o swap deal did.

All that being said, if it doesn't create issues within the team and if Fàbregas is afforded the playing time his ability surely merits, the transfer could be a rousing success for both club and player.

The only losers in this deal would be Arsenal who, no matter how much they received in exchange, would surely struggle to replace a player of such pedigree.