Arsenal Transfer News: Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, Relief or Regret?

Misery, exasperation, despair and frustration. Some or all of these words could describe the emotions most Arsenal fans this summer might be experiencing. The more loyal supporters have to think of new and inventive ways of justifying the Gunner’s decisions in social situations.

Whilst a glimmer of hope had sprung from the potential impact Gervinho could make to the team, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri’s seemingly imminent departures from the club may possibly have quashed any optimism the Ivorian conjured.

The papers and pundits seem quick to condemn Arsenal’s chances of winning anything as futile and pathetic without their two key playmakers. Some are even going as far as insulting Wenger’s intelligence through insinuations of him forgetting his medication.

My response is that these people just do not know what goes on behind closed doors—especially at a club where they pride themselves on privacy and confidentiality. Something more clubs should practice. Furthermore, there is no concrete evidence to suggest Nasri has intentions of leaving the club. Wenger seems adamant that he will stay. We wait to see what unfolds.   

What we do know is that a resolution has finally been brought to one of the most tedious transfers in Premier league history. Cesc Fabregas will finally move to Barcelona.

But should Arsenal fans consider this as yet another disappointment to a dismal summer? Or should it be viewed as the club eliminating the danger of becoming a one man team; breaking free from constant pressure from Barcelona in acquiring the player; rectifying any notion within the squad that one man carries a team to get the result.

No one knows what Fabregas truly wanted and when. Interviews with the player were always non committal, vague and of a neutral stance. This can be to his credit in comparison to his new team mates, for wanting to let the other parties deal with the situation.

However, this also turned many supporters against the midfielder, as the player let the rumours, speculation, tapping up and scandal run on for three long summers. Had he announced his intentions and been more committed on field, then he would have left London Colney with a lot more respect and dignity than he is leaving with now.

It is for this reason I believe Fabregas’ sale is a relief rather than a regrettable loss. The money can be reinvested in a player with creative flair and technical ability, but with more loyalty and pride in wearing the canon.

I also believe Fabregas won’t be remembered in the same vein as Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira or Ray Parlour. All of them entered the pantheon of Arsenal FC history for winning trophies, playing sensational football and showing loyalty with passion for the club.

Fabregas’ departure will undoubtedly make others rise and take his mantle as one of the most important players in the team. Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong, Abou Diaby and Henry Lansbury all have the capacity to do so.  

The emergence of promising young English midfield talent at Arsenal might suggest they are keen to cultivate flair and creativity in Englishman, with the hope that they will stick around through the good and bad times. Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs did it, and look where they are.

Arsenal fans will be incensed that Barcelona have been allowed to freely express the “desires” of another player from another club. Wenger has been questioned of this before on whether he will consider legal action through UEFA. He ruled out consulting authorities on the situation and simply said Barca was wrong in their approach. Does that sound like the rationale of a man on medication?