By Fab4.
After almost a week of speculation regarding the future of Cesc Fabregas and his ‘imminent’ move to Barcelona, Arsenal have finally given their word on the matter. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who isn’t shy in speaking to the media, told Goal.com UK that they will fight to keep hold of their captain and have not even discussed the transfer fee they would be willing to accept.
Hill-Wood claims that they have yet to receive an official offer from the Catalans but have made it clear to them that they are not looking to sell.
“The message has been given to them we don’t want to lose him and will do our damnedest to keep him,” said Hill-Wood. “We haven’t had an official approach from them and have made it perfectly clear we don’t want to lose him.”
“It’s a funny way of doing business. Anyway, Cesc hasn’t left yet, remember.”
“It’s not an issue,” he said. “We haven’t even discussed it. I don’t know if he will stay. I’ve really got little to say but we very much hope he stays with us and we’re confident he will.”
“We have done pretty well without one or two other star players.,” said the chaiman. “I would like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams back but they are 10 years too old.
“Although I think we had a very good season I’m confident that we can get better next year.”
It looks like this transfer is going run through-out the summer, i can’t see how it will be completed before the World Cup unless Cesc hands in a transfer request, which i can’t see happening, or Barcelona come in with a serious offer over £50m. I think Wenger is going to be at his stubborn-best on this one, he will do all he can to hang on to Fabregas for at least one more year. I hope we play hard-ball and demand silly money to either scare them off or get a shed-load of cash to re-build. It’s a win-win and don’t forget Arsenal hold all the cards here.
I for one am not panicking about the Fabregas situation. He’s a good bloke and won’t throw his toys out the pram if for whatever reason the move to Barca doesn’t happen this year. He will still get his head down and play the wonderful game as it should be played next year. But if he does go, Arsenal won’t let him walk for a penny less than £50-£60m, and with that kinda money Arsene could work wonders.
What do Arsenal fans think of Hill-Woods statement? Please have your say below….
