Arsenal Transfers: FC Barcelona Announce Cesc Fabregas Signing

The Guardian reports that FC Barcelona have finalised a deal for Cesc Fabregas.  The Catalan club have made an announcement via Twitter, confirming the completed transfer.

The deal is contingent on add-ons and figures differ.  But the overall package is believed to be worth around £30-35 million.

Fabregas has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Champions League winners.  Barca may include Fabregas in the squad for Wednesday's Super Cup tie against Real Madrid.

Fabregas is expected to be presented to the Spanish media as a Barcelona player shortly.  The announcement will make Arsene Wenger's afternoon press conference very interesting.

The mood of the Arsenal manager will tell a lot about how the club is responding to the end of a protracted transfer saga that has damaged preparations for the new season.

Wenger is under tremendous pressure to prove that Arsenal remain viable contenders.  He will need to be back to his bullish best to convince people that he still possesses a squad capable of capturing trophies.

Wenger must decide where best to invest the money from the sale of Fabregas.  The loss of his skipper means that recruiting some creativity has become as big a priority for Wenger as adding defensive reinforcements.

With the vital Champions League qualifier on Tuesday, decisive action is needed to restore confidence in Arsenal's prospects for the season.