Cesc Fabregas' Rise and Fall, Arsenal's Bittersweet Dilemma

Dreadful.

A word that Arsenal fans' have most recently associated with their team. Once, they were on the fore front for four possible titles, but in the end they went crashing out in style; for the sixth year running.

Throughout this season, we witnessed the emergence of a fiery Jack Wilshere, been left breathe taken by a magical Samir Nasri, and kicking ourselves at the brilliant, but uselessness goal scoring form of Robin Van Persie.

Of all the ups and downs of this emotional tormenting season, none shall stand as bold and daunting to Arsenal fans as the realization that Cesc Fabregas no longer believes in this team--and to a certain extent he is justified.

Fabregas's dominant rise to prominence began in the 2003-2004 season when he become the youngest Gunner ever to make a first team appearance at the age of 16 years.

From then on Fabregas's career became a blur for supporters. He managed 34 appearances the following season, become the second youngest goal scorer in Champions League history, and established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the best league in the world.

He started an Arsenal revolution. Soon after his rise to fame, teenagers in the Arsenal squad popped up and were all relishing the chance to be tagged 'the next Fabregas.' The fans fell in love his passing and composure and pundits praised his maturity. He was the heart of Arsenal and the team was built around him.

However, as the seasons passed, frustration began to build as Arsenal failed to deliver the silverware they promised.

At first, Fabregas stood firm behind his managers philosophy and reiterated his commitment to the club. But as the seasons wore on, Fabregas's comments and commitments became less and less reassuring. The temptation from Barcelona seemed too much to bear for the success driven Spaniard.

This season has all but shut the door on Fabregas's future at Arsenal. Some may claim a back to back summer tournaments--Confederations Cup in 2009 and the World Cup in 2010--and fighting on all fronts for Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and, at times, League Cup honors may have deflated the once shimmering teenager. But others say even a fit Fabregas lacked the heart that makes him special.

Some feel Fabregas flat-lined during the Barcelona accusations over the summer. Others claim it was the defeat at the Nou Camp earlier this season that finalized Fabregas's commitment to the club. For me, it was a critical 1-1 draw at St. Andrews in March 2009. Watching the game from a pub in Memphis, TN, I saw a lack-luster performance that signaled a sign of concern for our skipper and tailsmen. From that day on, Fabregas seemed to be full of half-hearted performances.

The late collapse in Arsenal's season has all but affirmed Fabregas's faith in his team. He spoke out in the Spanish press about the mental strength of his team and the continued failures of Arsene Wenger. He was the culprit for Barcelona's first half goal at the Nou Camp, which topped off the worst game the skipper has ever played in an Arsenal shirt.

Wenger admitted the burden of success was to great for the young skipper.

The reality is the chances of Fabregas remaining an Arsenal player look slim and his departure will raise mixed feelings.

However, his departure--if it happens--will be the end of an era Arsenal fans will want to forget. Fabregas was the first of his kind and, as previously mentioned, marked a youthful revolution in this Arsenal team. With Wenger admitting it is time to dip into the transfer market and many talking about Arsenal clearing house, Fabregas's departure for the proposed 45 million may be the biggest contribution the skipper can make to the club.

His departure would leave a massive void in the Arsenal midfield and would crush the hearts of the Arsenal faithful. His departure, for me, would be bittersweet. His absence allows players like Nasri to shine, but his commitment and love for the club would end in vain.

One way or another Fabregas holds the key for any success for this Arsenal team. Whether it be leaving the club with a massive transfer kitty or coming back with reinforcements, we know one thing for certain, this summer will be a roller-coaster full of 'is-he-or-isn't-he?'