Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas Set to Seal His Move to Barcelona

The longest transfer saga in recent memory is finally coming to an end.

Arsenal released a statement on its official website stating, “Arsenal announces today that they have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas to move to Spain.”

Fabregas, who joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old, will welcome the chance to rejoin his friends at the European champions following the past two seasons of being denied his wish by Arsene Wenger.

It is yet to be seen what kind of figure the club will receive from the Catalan giants but the suggested  figure is in the region of £34 million. Sandro Rosell, the Barcelona President, however, claims the deal is closer to £25 million with add-ons over the course of Fabregas’ agreed five-year contract.

Thousands of Barcelona fans are lining up outside the Nou Camp this morning in preparation for Fabregas’ official unveiling. As of yet, the player has yet to complete his medical, but Barcelona doctors insist the proceedings are going well.

Arsene Wenger admitted that the club did not want to release Fabregas this summer as he made it his priority to keep the core of his squad intact.

But the longing Cesc had to rejoin his childhood club and the very public pursuit of the player by Barcelona became far too overwhelming for even Wenger.

The deal, which weighed heavy on all those involved at Arsenal, will be a welcome relief and possibly a chance for the club to move on and wrap up any transfer deals which may have needed the departure of Fabregas to be completed.

Samir Nasri continues to train with the Gunners, and it is likely Robin van Persie will take over the captaincy.

Fabregas, who was named club captain in November 2008, was Arsenal’s youngest player to appear in the Premier League at the age of 16.

In his time at the club, Fabregas has appeared in 303 games in all compietions, scoring 57 goals and 100 assists.