Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is keeping a close eye on Cesc Fabregas’s situation at Chelsea and will consider making a move for him in the summer.
According to a report in the Telegraph, the former Chelsea boss is keeping a close watch on Cesc Fabregas and will try to prise the Spaniard away from Stamford Bridge in the summer, should the Blues seem open to accepting bids for the 29-year-old.
AC Milan have reportedly set their sights on acquiring the midfielder, who only recently made his 300th Premier League appearance, and they are willing to part with £27 million to take him to the San Siro, the same figure which Chelsea paid Barcelona in 2014 to acquire his services.
The report goes onto to state that Mourinho, who previously tried to sign Nemanja Matic and Willian in the summer, remains an admirer of the player and will consider launching a bid for the La Masia graduate, if Chelsea accept AC Milan’s offer.
Fabregas has found it difficult to hold down a place in Antonio Conte’s starting XI, due to the Italian’s insistence on playing Nemanja Matic alongside the indispensable N’golo Kante in the the center of Chelsea’s midfield. This is likely due to the defensive stability that Matic would provide.
However in doing so, Conte leaves out one of the best playmakers in all of world football. There is not another player in Chelsea’s ranks who can do what Fabregas does. His range of passing, vision, creativity and ability to dictate play is unrivalled at Chelsea, and possibly the English top flight.
In 23 appearances this season, he has managed to score 5 goals and provide 8 assists across all competitions. He has started only 11 of those games, but manages to show his importance and send constant reminders to his manager about his ability and importance to the squad.
Fabregas’ 8 assists so far, are more than both Eden Hazard’s (5) and Willian’s (2) combined, both of whom have played far more than the former Arsenal Captain. He marked his 300th appearances in the English top flight against Swansea with a goal, assist and the man of the match award.
The 29-year-old has had no shortage of suitors however. Apart from AC Milan, Fenerbahce, AS Roma and West Ham United were all rumoured to be interested in the 29-year-old. He was also reportedly set to follow Oscar out of the club in January to China, to CSL side Guangzhou Evergrande.
However, none of those moves materialised and Chelsea fans will be thankful for the same. For a player of his calibre and stature to be benched so much, he has shown great character when called upon and his attitude has nothing short of exemplary, something that Conte will surely appreciate.
Chelsea would likely regret letting Fabregas go in the summer, something that isn’t likely to happen. With each passing appearance, it becomes clear that the Spaniard is integral to the Blues’ title push.
His experience and leadership qualities will be required at the club as they enter the business end of the season and with 2 trophies to play for, they will need him at his best more than ever.
