Arsenal FC: Should Wenger Request a Player-Plus-Money Deal for Fabregas?

As the atmosphere at the Emirates becomes increasing melancholy with each passing day, it looks as though the possible departure of one of Arsenal’s stars could become soon harsh reality. Cesc Fàbregas could be on his way out of London this year—anyone surprised? Although not the ideal situation, what could Arsenal do if this very important player were in fact to leave this summer?

Cesc Fàbregas was a mere 16-year-old when he left the sunny shores of Catalunya for rainy days in North London. Now, nine years and 303 appearances later, Fàbregas is the captain of the red and white side of North London as well as one of their most influential and important players. He has become one of the last players still in the Arsenal squad who has won a trophy with the team, along with Robin van Persie. He is a leader and teacher to young players, such as Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, and the heartbeat of the current Arsenal team.

But, it seems as though with all the speculation of him returning to Barcelona, a club which he has supported since a young age, his heart is just not with Arsenal anymore. It’s become increasing evident, with even Arsenal players admitting he wishes to return, that Arsenal is not where he wants to be.

As captain, this can (if it hasn’t already) have serious effects on the mentality of the rest of the team. It is clear Fàbregas does not believe in Arsenal’s ability to win trophies, and how is the rest of this young Arsenal team supposed to react when their captain has little faith?

Fàbregas has not been at his best this past season and has been bothered by a reoccurring hamstring problem, which has caused him to miss all preseason games to date. With little heart and the possibility of becoming permanently injury prone, could this be the right time to sell Fàbregas?

With a contract running until 2014 and a high price tag (likely in the 45-50 million range), this could possibly be the most optimal time for Arsenal to sell. No doubt keeping Fàbregas would be best, as he is the type of superstar player you wouldn’t want to let go of, especially for Arsenal in this trying time, but what could Arsenal possibly do if they did choose to sell Fàbregas this off-season? How could they somehow work it out to their advantage?

In my opinion, the best solution (besides keeping Fàbregas) would be requesting 35-40 million plus Afellay. Barcelona were said to have offered Thiago Alcântara or Bojan Krkić in a deal to try to lure Arsenal into selling Fàbregas, but neither possible bid seemed to be successful. Although they are both great players with unending potential, Arsène Wenger seems to realize that it is not under-experienced 20-year-olds are not what Arsenal needs to go forward in their quest for trophies. There is also a possibility of such a deal resulting in a Fàbregas-type situation in five years time, something Arsenal and its fans do not want to get involved in again.

At 25 years of age, Afellay is an all around attacking midfielder who plays best on the left wing. Transferring from PSV Eindhoven to Barcelona for the cut price of €3m in January, he has shown his great talent in the playing time he has been given at Barcelona.

He almost scored on two occasions against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League tie at the Camp Nou and assisted Messi in his first goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu during the first leg of the semifinal match.

Despite the competitiveness of the Dutch midfield, he has made 36 appearances for the Oranje after making his debut against Slovenia on the 28th of March in 2007. He was included in the final squads of both the 2008 Euro and 2010 World Cup, further proving his great ability.

But if Fàbregas does complete the move to the Camp Nou, what will be of Afellay? Will Barcelona allow a full Dutch international to rot away on the bench? Will Afellay enjoy a life on the bench? He is already 25, and with the possibility of Iniesta moving to the wing while Fàbregas plays in the middle (tnot to mention Thiago), it doesn’t look as through there is much room for him besides a few appearances in Copa del Rey matches or substitutions.

If a deal such as this were to go through, it could melt into the contract situation with Samir Nasri. Apparently, part of the reason Nasri is refusing to sign a new contract is his positioning on the field. He prefers to play in the middle, but is being employed in the left wing position. By bringing in Afellay as part of a deal to sell Cesc, it could open the center of midfield for Samir while having the left wing taken care of.

With this transfer, Arsenal could stay using the current 4-2-3-1 formation and possibly with more effectiveness than before with a through and through winger down both flanks. This could also aid in the usage of rotation in the midfield, especially into the New Year, when rotation is key to players not tiring out and staying alive in four competitions.

Extending upon the point of rotation, a versatile addition like Afellay could add a little more depth to the midfield in case of injury and during the time rotation is needed. If Nasri was injured during the campaign, Ramsey (most likely) or Afellay could take his place in the center of midfield, and in the case of Afellay taking the middle, Arshavin could play down the left. If Walcott becomes injured, Afellay could also move to the right wing (supposing Eboué and Gervinho would stay on the bench) with Arshavin on the left.

Arsenal's midfield would potentially look like:

Right Wing: Walcott, Gervinho, Eboue (if he stays), Miyaichi (if work permit allows), Afellay (if need be)

Left Wing: Afellay, Arshavin, Nasri (if need be)

Midfield (excluding defensive midfielders): Wilshere, Nasri, Ramsey, Rosicky, Lansbury, Diaby (if he recovers), Afellay (if need be)

If Arsenal were to choose to part with Fàbregas and finally end all the noise and distraction, a deal including Afellay would surely be the best option. But there is still a whole summer of transfers and rumours ahead, and it is still to be determined where Fàbregas will end up at the start of next season.