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From Pierre van Hooijdonk To Javier Mascherano: The Players That Have Gone To Great Lengths To Force Through Transfers
Reds fighting losing battle once midfielder invoked spirit of Arthur Scargill...
| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £19.09 | Draw £30.00 | Liverpool £37.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £21.50 | Draw £28.80 | Liverpool £40.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £19.09 | Draw £35.00 | Liverpool £42.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £20.00 | Draw £34.00 | Liverpool £40.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Man Utd. £20.90 | Draw £33.50 | Liverpool £39.00 |
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Aug 31, 2010 11:05:00 AM
By Alex Dimond
There's one every summer — a transfer saga that just seems to run and run.
This summer we've been blessed with a few, but almost always the story is the same. The player in question has set his heart [or bank account] on a move, but the club he currently plays for isn't interested in letting him go. And, with it being revealed last Friday that Liverpool's Javier Mascherano would become a Barcelona player after the two clubs agreed a €21 million fee — well it seems we've witnessed the latest victory for player power in another long running transfer saga.
History no doubt showed that Liverpool were fighting a losing battle as soon as Mascherano made his desire to leave known. But with Barcelona also harbouring a high-profile interest in Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, the Gunners will be hoping history isn't always destined to be repeated.
Goal.com UK takes a look at some of the Premier League's biggest transfer sagas in recent times:
Javier Mascherano
Liverpool – Barcelona (2010)
The good times: Being rescued from the dreadful situation he found himself in early 2007, languishing in the West Ham United reserves. Appeared in the Champions League final later that year, and went on to establish himself as one of Europe's finest midfield enforcers.
The problem: Such form brought interest from Barcelona, which the Argentine wasn't particularly good at ignoring. Made frequent references to his desire to move abroad — as much for the weather as anything else — and when Liverpool's form slipped and mentor Rafa Benitez left for Inter, a move away from Anfield became an increasing determination.
The battle: After warding off Barca's interest for the best part of two years, Liverpool seemed reluctant to let their prized asset go to either the Catalans or to link up again with Benitez at new club Inter. But the club's financial constraints weakened resolve, and when Mascherano refused to play in the important game against Manchester City the die was all-but cast.
The outcome: Mascherano and Barca got their way, with a £21m deal and a four-year contract finalised on Monday evening.
The legacy: Remains to be seen, but Mascherano's reputation on Merseyside has undoubtedly been sullied by the manner of his departure. The classless nature of his refusal to play — when coupled with his frequent angling for a transfer through the years — will mean few on Anfield will wish him well in the Primera Division.
Joleon Lescott
Everton – Manchester City (2009)
The good times: After arriving at Goodison Park from Wolves in 2006, Lescott quickly made a real name for himself as a no-nonsense, versatile defender with an enviable eye for goal. Such a rich vein of form even lead to deserved England recognition.
The problem: In the summer of 2009 Manchester City liked what they saw, and had more money to pay for it than the Toffees could hope to match, despite [at the time] being lower in the table.
The battle: City were remarkably bullish in their approach, something that led to stinging criticism from Everton boss David Moyes to both the player and his prospective club. But the bids just kept coming, as Everton tried valiantly to knock them back.
The outcome: Eventually, a week from the end of the summer window, Everton caved — selling Lescott to their rivals for a fee in excess of £24m. Solid business.
The legacy: Lescott endured a torrid first season at Eastlands, with injuries and poor form seeing him drop like a stone out of Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans. And there isn’t too much sympathy for him on Merseyside.
Ashley Cole
Arsenal - Chelsea (2006)
The good times: Came through the ranks at the club, won bucketfuls of FA Cups and even a couple of Premier League titles — including an involvement in the memorable ‘Invincibles’ team of 2004 — on his way to becoming one of the most feared and respected attacking left-backs in the game.
The problem: Arsenal, in the player’s view, dragged their heels on a new contract before Chelsea came calling, complete with Abramovich’s wealthy resources. An illicit hotel meeting between the Blues' then-manager Jose Mourinho, then-chief executive Peter Kenyon and Cole was just the start of a downward spiral.
The battle: Arsenal accused Chelsea of ‘tapping-up’ their player, threatening action. Chelsea searched for a compromise deal. Cole infamously "nearly swerved off the road" after ‘only’ being offered £55,000 per week in a new deal by the Gunners.
The outcome: William Gallas and a hefty chunk of change silenced Arsenal’s complaints, and Chelsea finally got their man.
The legacy: ‘Cashley’ is despised in north London, and indeed throughout much of England for his perceived crass attitude. But he was won three Premier League titles and three more FA Cups since leaving the Gunners — they’ve won nothing.
William Gallas
Chelsea - Arsenal (2006)
The good times: Helping the Blues to two league titles soon after Roman Abramovich's arrival. Building a reputation as one of the finest all-round defenders in the Premier League.
The problem: With his contract due to expire in May 2007, Gallas reportedly became unhappy with the offer made to him to extend his stay. From that point he began angling for a move away from the club quite brazenly.
The battle: Over pretty quickly. Gallas had a transfer request turned down by the club, but things turned sour and when the controversy surrounding the meeting with Ashley Cole became public a part-exchange deal with Arsenal became a prospect of mutual convenience.
The outcome: Gallas became a makeweight in the purchase of the left-back. Chelsea later claimed the defender 'had threatened to score an own goal' if he was selected for the team again, something the Frenchman was outraged about.
The legacy: The own goal reports have sullied Chelsea memories of their former star. Four years later, a free transfer departure to join arch-rivals Tottenham — along with various high-profile bust-ups with team-mates and the manager — has ensured that Gallas isn't remembered too fondly at the Emirates, either.
Jermain Defoe
West Ham United - Tottenham (2004)
The good times: Having already ditched Charlton Athletic as a kid to join West Ham, the diminuitive striker became a real asset to the side in the 2003-04 season as the Hammers battled against relegation.
The problem: Exactly that — they got relegated. Defoe handed in a transfer request a day later.
The battle: Supposedly in high demand, West Ham refused to part with their future star. The summer came and went, with the player reiterating his desire to leave and the club reiterating their desire for him to stay.
The outcome: He left… eventually. Defoe played almost half a season in the Division One — getting sent off three times — before Tottenham Hotspur eventually stumped up nearly £7m to take him to the club in January, over six months after his transfer request had first been submitted.
The legacy: The fans at Upton Park don’t exactly go wild on any of Defoe’s return visits — he isn’t the most popular characters. After an interim spell at Portsmouth, he is back at Spurs and looking forward to Champions League football next season.
Andrei Arshavin
Zenit St. Petersburg - Arsenal (2009)
The good times: Leading the Russian side to the UEFA Cup in 2008 was the highlight, but Arshavin also proved himself the standout player in the Russian league in his time with the club.
The problem: He outgrew the Russian league, especially after an impressive Euro 2008, and wanted to test himself in one of Europe’s more prestigious domestic competitions. But he earned good money at the oil-backed club, something which even Europe’s big clubs struggled to match.
The battle: Arsenal were always the most keen on forward, but struggled to meet the figures demanded of them by both the club and the player. They played a long, tiring, game of cat and mouse as they tried to hammer a deal they could live with.
The outcome: Eventually, on deadline day of the January transfer window, after an infamous Travelodge stay in snowy London, Arshavin put pen to paper on an Arsenal deal that actually lowered his net wages, after his club had finally relented on their high transfer demand.
The legacy: Few at Zenit blame the extrovert for his move. The Russian has had his moments for the Gunners, including four memorable goals in a game at Anfield. But he’s outspoken off the field, and reportedly keen on a move to one of Spain’s giants this summer.
Xabi Alonso
Liverpool – Real Madrid (2009)
The good times: A number of them — including winning a Champions League title in 2005, scoring goals from 45 yards with impunity, and later proving an integral part of Liverpool’s push to second place in the 2008-09 Premier League.
The problem: Real Madrid came calling, complete with opportunity to return to his homeland, earn more money and play for a bigger team. After Liverpool had earlier been so public in their pursuit of Gareth Barry, Alonso also didn’t feel wanted at Anfield.
The battle: Rafa Benitez put up a strong fight, determined to keep a player he knew was of tactical importance to his side, but with the lure of Madrid and the scars of the Barry's pursuit against him he was always fighting a losing battle.
The outcome: Liverpool eventually got around £30m for Alonso, a respectable deal. They replaced him with £20m Italian Alberto Aquilani — who was injured more often than not over the course of his first season at the club.
The legacy: Liverpool fans don’t blame Alonso for his departure, they blame the increasingly poor ownership from Tom Hicks & George Gillett. His exit was a symptom of a greater malaise, not the cause.
Gareth Barry
Aston Villa - Liverpool Manchester City (2009)
The good times: A homegrown hero, Barry blossomed from a dependable left-sided midfielder or defender into one of the finest passing centre midfielders in the Premier League. He became the club's captain, to boot, as Martin O'Neill gradually steered the club up the table.
The problem: That rapid progression piqued Rafa Benitez's interest, who saw him as a perfect addition to Liverpool's midfield — but only at the right price. Barry, for his part, really fancied the switch.
The battle: Martin O'Neill was adamant Barry would not be solid. Words were exchanged, accusations made. Benitez scrambled around to find more than the £18m he initially offered for the player after O'Neill made it clear that was not sufficient. Both managers got pretty angry. Barry got fairly upset.
The outcome: Good news, Arsenal fans: Villa held off Liverpool's advances! Bad news, Arsenal fans: Manchester City swooped in and coughed up enough to get him the summer after!
The legacy: Barry was eventually welcomed back into the fold after the Reds move he publicly demanded fell apart, but nevertheless moved on at the end of the next year as his contract became an issue. He is picking up good money now, but still fighting the same Champions League battle at Eastlands. Villa reinvested the money in their defence, and are now doing better than ever — at least in the cup competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United – Real Madrid (2009)
The good times: 'Good' might be underselling it somewhat — scoring 42 goals in a season, leading United to the 2008 Champions League title and the final the year after for starters. Becoming the best player in the world as United won three titles on the spin.
The problem: Always linked with a move to Real, the Portuguese winger never could contain his eagerness to play at the Bernabeu one day.
The battle: United fought valiantly to keep Ronaldo, famously seeing Sir Alex Ferguson tell Real in a rage “he wouldn’t sell them a virus”. After persuading his No.7 to stay in the summer of 2008, Real only came back with a bigger and better offer in 2009. This time the Scot was helpess.
The outcome: £80m, paid in one lump sum, was enough for United to agree to a deal — the biggest transfer in history.
The legacy: United fans were disappointed initially, but accepted that C-Ron always wanted to go to Madrid — especially as the fee was particularly high. But neither club managed to top their respective domestic leagues last season.
Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal - Barcelona (?)
The good times: Oh, you know, the usual — becoming an unlikely star in one of the world's best sides at 16, becoming an ever-present by 17, widely regarded as one of the finest passers in the world before he even hit his twenties. Oh, and while still only 23 he's already club captain and obvious talisman.
The problem: Barcelona was Cesc's boyhood club, and he has always harboured an ambition to return to play for them one day. They are also pretty keen or getting him back, feeling he was 'stolen' from them in the first place. Oh, and Arsenal haven't won anything in five years.
The battle: Already getting a bit bloody. Barca have carefully ascertained interest in a deal from the player in the press, and got Cesc keen on a move before making a formal bid. Arsenal rejected the two official bids that came — and effectively told the Spaniards not to come back with another — and things have only gone downhill since. Barca can't afford to do a deal this summer, but still want their man. And Fabregas, while happy to play at the Emirates, clearly wants to end up at the Nou Camp sooner rather than later.
The outcome: This season the midfielder is all set to remain a Gunner, but long term that remains to be seen. With Cesc increasingly adamant he wants to leave, the above examples ably demonstrate Arsenal would have to buck the trend to keep him at the club against his will.
Legacy: If he moves, Arsenal fans will struggle to hate Cesc, understandable as his reason is for wanting to leave. But they will find it harder to forgive Arsenal and the club's board, as without their star player a trophy-winning season will look further away than ever. But if he stays, Barcelona will likely move on — but will the midfielder be able to stop his disappointment from affecting his play?
Can Arsenal keep themselves between an attraction that seems stronger than Romeo & Juliet? Only time will tell...
This summer we've been blessed with a few, but almost always the story is the same. The player in question has set his heart [or bank account] on a move, but the club he currently plays for isn't interested in letting him go. And, with it being revealed last Friday that Liverpool's Javier Mascherano would become a Barcelona player after the two clubs agreed a €21 million fee — well it seems we've witnessed the latest victory for player power in another long running transfer saga.
History no doubt showed that Liverpool were fighting a losing battle as soon as Mascherano made his desire to leave known. But with Barcelona also harbouring a high-profile interest in Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, the Gunners will be hoping history isn't always destined to be repeated.
Goal.com UK takes a look at some of the Premier League's biggest transfer sagas in recent times:
THE LATEST CONCLUSION
Javier MascheranoLiverpool – Barcelona (2010)
The good times: Being rescued from the dreadful situation he found himself in early 2007, languishing in the West Ham United reserves. Appeared in the Champions League final later that year, and went on to establish himself as one of Europe's finest midfield enforcers.
The problem: Such form brought interest from Barcelona, which the Argentine wasn't particularly good at ignoring. Made frequent references to his desire to move abroad — as much for the weather as anything else — and when Liverpool's form slipped and mentor Rafa Benitez left for Inter, a move away from Anfield became an increasing determination.
The battle: After warding off Barca's interest for the best part of two years, Liverpool seemed reluctant to let their prized asset go to either the Catalans or to link up again with Benitez at new club Inter. But the club's financial constraints weakened resolve, and when Mascherano refused to play in the important game against Manchester City the die was all-but cast.
The outcome: Mascherano and Barca got their way, with a £21m deal and a four-year contract finalised on Monday evening.
The legacy: Remains to be seen, but Mascherano's reputation on Merseyside has undoubtedly been sullied by the manner of his departure. The classless nature of his refusal to play — when coupled with his frequent angling for a transfer through the years — will mean few on Anfield will wish him well in the Primera Division.
THE PRECEDENTS
Pierre van Hooijdonk
Nottingham Forest - Vitesse (1999)
The good times: Arrived at the relegation strugglers from Celtic for £4.5m in 1997 as their great survival hope, but failed to live up to that billing. Pledged his commitment to the Division One side, however, and fired 34 goals on the way to the club winning the title and promotion back to the Premier League.
The problem: The club's failure to strengthen in the summer after promotion angered Van Hooijdonk, and he demanded to be placed on the transfer list.
The battle: Forest refused, leading the Dutchman to claim he had been betrayed by the club's owners and could not play for them again. After a second request was turned down he went on strike — heading to his homeland with NAC to keep his fitness up.
The outcome: After realising the club would not bow to his demands, Van Hooijdonk eventually returned with his tail between his legs in November, and played [and scored] sporadically for the rest of the campaign — with team-mates famously refusing to celebrate his early goals after his strike.
At the end of the season, with Forest relegated as the bottom side, Van Hooijdonk was sold to Vitesse for £2.5m
The legacy: He went on to have a successful goalscoring career, particularly in the Netherlands. But the Dutchman's name isn't a popular one around the City Ground, and his actions have become a trademark for players stepping out of line in pursuit of a transfer.
Pierre van HooijdonkNottingham Forest - Vitesse (1999)
The good times: Arrived at the relegation strugglers from Celtic for £4.5m in 1997 as their great survival hope, but failed to live up to that billing. Pledged his commitment to the Division One side, however, and fired 34 goals on the way to the club winning the title and promotion back to the Premier League.
The problem: The club's failure to strengthen in the summer after promotion angered Van Hooijdonk, and he demanded to be placed on the transfer list.
The battle: Forest refused, leading the Dutchman to claim he had been betrayed by the club's owners and could not play for them again. After a second request was turned down he went on strike — heading to his homeland with NAC to keep his fitness up.
The outcome: After realising the club would not bow to his demands, Van Hooijdonk eventually returned with his tail between his legs in November, and played [and scored] sporadically for the rest of the campaign — with team-mates famously refusing to celebrate his early goals after his strike.
At the end of the season, with Forest relegated as the bottom side, Van Hooijdonk was sold to Vitesse for £2.5m
The legacy: He went on to have a successful goalscoring career, particularly in the Netherlands. But the Dutchman's name isn't a popular one around the City Ground, and his actions have become a trademark for players stepping out of line in pursuit of a transfer.
Joleon LescottEverton – Manchester City (2009)
The good times: After arriving at Goodison Park from Wolves in 2006, Lescott quickly made a real name for himself as a no-nonsense, versatile defender with an enviable eye for goal. Such a rich vein of form even lead to deserved England recognition.
The problem: In the summer of 2009 Manchester City liked what they saw, and had more money to pay for it than the Toffees could hope to match, despite [at the time] being lower in the table.
The battle: City were remarkably bullish in their approach, something that led to stinging criticism from Everton boss David Moyes to both the player and his prospective club. But the bids just kept coming, as Everton tried valiantly to knock them back.
The outcome: Eventually, a week from the end of the summer window, Everton caved — selling Lescott to their rivals for a fee in excess of £24m. Solid business.
The legacy: Lescott endured a torrid first season at Eastlands, with injuries and poor form seeing him drop like a stone out of Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans. And there isn’t too much sympathy for him on Merseyside.
Ashley ColeArsenal - Chelsea (2006)
The good times: Came through the ranks at the club, won bucketfuls of FA Cups and even a couple of Premier League titles — including an involvement in the memorable ‘Invincibles’ team of 2004 — on his way to becoming one of the most feared and respected attacking left-backs in the game.
The problem: Arsenal, in the player’s view, dragged their heels on a new contract before Chelsea came calling, complete with Abramovich’s wealthy resources. An illicit hotel meeting between the Blues' then-manager Jose Mourinho, then-chief executive Peter Kenyon and Cole was just the start of a downward spiral.
The battle: Arsenal accused Chelsea of ‘tapping-up’ their player, threatening action. Chelsea searched for a compromise deal. Cole infamously "nearly swerved off the road" after ‘only’ being offered £55,000 per week in a new deal by the Gunners.
The outcome: William Gallas and a hefty chunk of change silenced Arsenal’s complaints, and Chelsea finally got their man.
The legacy: ‘Cashley’ is despised in north London, and indeed throughout much of England for his perceived crass attitude. But he was won three Premier League titles and three more FA Cups since leaving the Gunners — they’ve won nothing.
William GallasChelsea - Arsenal (2006)
The good times: Helping the Blues to two league titles soon after Roman Abramovich's arrival. Building a reputation as one of the finest all-round defenders in the Premier League.
The problem: With his contract due to expire in May 2007, Gallas reportedly became unhappy with the offer made to him to extend his stay. From that point he began angling for a move away from the club quite brazenly.
The battle: Over pretty quickly. Gallas had a transfer request turned down by the club, but things turned sour and when the controversy surrounding the meeting with Ashley Cole became public a part-exchange deal with Arsenal became a prospect of mutual convenience.
The outcome: Gallas became a makeweight in the purchase of the left-back. Chelsea later claimed the defender 'had threatened to score an own goal' if he was selected for the team again, something the Frenchman was outraged about.
The legacy: The own goal reports have sullied Chelsea memories of their former star. Four years later, a free transfer departure to join arch-rivals Tottenham — along with various high-profile bust-ups with team-mates and the manager — has ensured that Gallas isn't remembered too fondly at the Emirates, either.
Jermain DefoeWest Ham United - Tottenham (2004)
The good times: Having already ditched Charlton Athletic as a kid to join West Ham, the diminuitive striker became a real asset to the side in the 2003-04 season as the Hammers battled against relegation.
The problem: Exactly that — they got relegated. Defoe handed in a transfer request a day later.
The battle: Supposedly in high demand, West Ham refused to part with their future star. The summer came and went, with the player reiterating his desire to leave and the club reiterating their desire for him to stay.
The outcome: He left… eventually. Defoe played almost half a season in the Division One — getting sent off three times — before Tottenham Hotspur eventually stumped up nearly £7m to take him to the club in January, over six months after his transfer request had first been submitted.
The legacy: The fans at Upton Park don’t exactly go wild on any of Defoe’s return visits — he isn’t the most popular characters. After an interim spell at Portsmouth, he is back at Spurs and looking forward to Champions League football next season.
Andrei ArshavinZenit St. Petersburg - Arsenal (2009)
The good times: Leading the Russian side to the UEFA Cup in 2008 was the highlight, but Arshavin also proved himself the standout player in the Russian league in his time with the club.
The problem: He outgrew the Russian league, especially after an impressive Euro 2008, and wanted to test himself in one of Europe’s more prestigious domestic competitions. But he earned good money at the oil-backed club, something which even Europe’s big clubs struggled to match.
The battle: Arsenal were always the most keen on forward, but struggled to meet the figures demanded of them by both the club and the player. They played a long, tiring, game of cat and mouse as they tried to hammer a deal they could live with.
The outcome: Eventually, on deadline day of the January transfer window, after an infamous Travelodge stay in snowy London, Arshavin put pen to paper on an Arsenal deal that actually lowered his net wages, after his club had finally relented on their high transfer demand.
The legacy: Few at Zenit blame the extrovert for his move. The Russian has had his moments for the Gunners, including four memorable goals in a game at Anfield. But he’s outspoken off the field, and reportedly keen on a move to one of Spain’s giants this summer.
Xabi AlonsoLiverpool – Real Madrid (2009)
The good times: A number of them — including winning a Champions League title in 2005, scoring goals from 45 yards with impunity, and later proving an integral part of Liverpool’s push to second place in the 2008-09 Premier League.
The problem: Real Madrid came calling, complete with opportunity to return to his homeland, earn more money and play for a bigger team. After Liverpool had earlier been so public in their pursuit of Gareth Barry, Alonso also didn’t feel wanted at Anfield.
The battle: Rafa Benitez put up a strong fight, determined to keep a player he knew was of tactical importance to his side, but with the lure of Madrid and the scars of the Barry's pursuit against him he was always fighting a losing battle.
The outcome: Liverpool eventually got around £30m for Alonso, a respectable deal. They replaced him with £20m Italian Alberto Aquilani — who was injured more often than not over the course of his first season at the club.
The legacy: Liverpool fans don’t blame Alonso for his departure, they blame the increasingly poor ownership from Tom Hicks & George Gillett. His exit was a symptom of a greater malaise, not the cause.
Gareth BarryAston Villa - Liverpool Manchester City (2009)
The good times: A homegrown hero, Barry blossomed from a dependable left-sided midfielder or defender into one of the finest passing centre midfielders in the Premier League. He became the club's captain, to boot, as Martin O'Neill gradually steered the club up the table.
The problem: That rapid progression piqued Rafa Benitez's interest, who saw him as a perfect addition to Liverpool's midfield — but only at the right price. Barry, for his part, really fancied the switch.
The battle: Martin O'Neill was adamant Barry would not be solid. Words were exchanged, accusations made. Benitez scrambled around to find more than the £18m he initially offered for the player after O'Neill made it clear that was not sufficient. Both managers got pretty angry. Barry got fairly upset.
The outcome: Good news, Arsenal fans: Villa held off Liverpool's advances! Bad news, Arsenal fans: Manchester City swooped in and coughed up enough to get him the summer after!
The legacy: Barry was eventually welcomed back into the fold after the Reds move he publicly demanded fell apart, but nevertheless moved on at the end of the next year as his contract became an issue. He is picking up good money now, but still fighting the same Champions League battle at Eastlands. Villa reinvested the money in their defence, and are now doing better than ever — at least in the cup competitions.
Cristiano RonaldoManchester United – Real Madrid (2009)
The good times: 'Good' might be underselling it somewhat — scoring 42 goals in a season, leading United to the 2008 Champions League title and the final the year after for starters. Becoming the best player in the world as United won three titles on the spin.
The problem: Always linked with a move to Real, the Portuguese winger never could contain his eagerness to play at the Bernabeu one day.
The battle: United fought valiantly to keep Ronaldo, famously seeing Sir Alex Ferguson tell Real in a rage “he wouldn’t sell them a virus”. After persuading his No.7 to stay in the summer of 2008, Real only came back with a bigger and better offer in 2009. This time the Scot was helpess.
The outcome: £80m, paid in one lump sum, was enough for United to agree to a deal — the biggest transfer in history.
The legacy: United fans were disappointed initially, but accepted that C-Ron always wanted to go to Madrid — especially as the fee was particularly high. But neither club managed to top their respective domestic leagues last season.
THE REMAINING SAGA
Cesc FabregasArsenal - Barcelona (?)
The good times: Oh, you know, the usual — becoming an unlikely star in one of the world's best sides at 16, becoming an ever-present by 17, widely regarded as one of the finest passers in the world before he even hit his twenties. Oh, and while still only 23 he's already club captain and obvious talisman.
The problem: Barcelona was Cesc's boyhood club, and he has always harboured an ambition to return to play for them one day. They are also pretty keen or getting him back, feeling he was 'stolen' from them in the first place. Oh, and Arsenal haven't won anything in five years.
The battle: Already getting a bit bloody. Barca have carefully ascertained interest in a deal from the player in the press, and got Cesc keen on a move before making a formal bid. Arsenal rejected the two official bids that came — and effectively told the Spaniards not to come back with another — and things have only gone downhill since. Barca can't afford to do a deal this summer, but still want their man. And Fabregas, while happy to play at the Emirates, clearly wants to end up at the Nou Camp sooner rather than later.
The outcome: This season the midfielder is all set to remain a Gunner, but long term that remains to be seen. With Cesc increasingly adamant he wants to leave, the above examples ably demonstrate Arsenal would have to buck the trend to keep him at the club against his will.
Legacy: If he moves, Arsenal fans will struggle to hate Cesc, understandable as his reason is for wanting to leave. But they will find it harder to forgive Arsenal and the club's board, as without their star player a trophy-winning season will look further away than ever. But if he stays, Barcelona will likely move on — but will the midfielder be able to stop his disappointment from affecting his play?
Can Arsenal keep themselves between an attraction that seems stronger than Romeo & Juliet? Only time will tell...
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