Fabregas Transfer Saga Brings Memories of Henry's Transfer to Barcelona

Another summer is almost upon us, and as the transfer season begins to peek its head over the horizon, the rumors and speculation start to build.

Once again there is speculation surrounding Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona. The Arsenal captain has been linked with a move back to the club of his youth for what seems like forever.

The situation in some ways poses a similar feeling to the transfer of then captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona in 2007. Henry had been courted in the spring of 2006 by the Spanish club before announcing his heart was with Arsenal, and signing a new deal.

After the 06 – 07 campaign, in a surprise move Henry was transferred to Barcelona for €24 million, a far cry from the close to €50 million Arsenal claimed to have turned down the previous summer.

Arsenal may have missed the window to get maximum return again by not selling Cesc last summer, as his form this season has not been up to his lofty standards. After his transfer, Henry had stated his moving may have been best for Arsenal, because as a senior member others would give into his demands for the ball even when he was not in a good position.

The previous statement may also ring true when looking at Fabregas.

Cesc has been pulling the strings from the midfield since he replaced Patrick Viera. It is hard to argue with his ability in that capacity, but one has to wonder if some of the younger players in the squad have deferred play on the pitch to the current captain at times, or if Cesc has tried to make plays out of nothing instead of trusting others in a better position.

It brings up the question if Arsenal is a better team without the talented Spaniard. Looking back on this past weekend’s match with Manchester United, Arsenal’s midfield controlled much of the game without an injured Cesc.

Samir Nasri has excelled this season playing in Fabregas’s role during his absence. Jack Wilshere has shown his quality during his first team action, and Aaron Ramsey has shown in his limited chances that he also has the ability to excel. With rumors of interest from Italy as well as Barcelona, the time for Arsenal to cash in may not get any better.

Selling him would also rid the Arsenal of the constant distractions this speculation provides. The cash raised could be used for shoring up the squad in defense, another scoring option up front, and depth if Wenger chooses. The signs seem to point towards an exit this summer, but Cesc Fabregas is still a top tier player who should be heading into his prime years, where Henry was nearing the end of his prime when Arsenal sold him.

One can make the case for either side of the coin, as this is not a clear cut case of a win or lose decision. Arsenal have the options to replace him and move on if it is time for him to go, or out of loyalty Arsene Wenger may try to keep him for one more season in another attempt to see his talented young captain hoist a trophy for the club he has given so much to.

As always, there will be plenty of debate regarding what will or should be done, and to think the summer has yet to begin.