For the past few days we've been inundated with rumors that Cesc Fabregas is unhappy at Camp Nou and that he's keen on a return to Arsenal. I'll admit to throwing my two cents worth of gasoline on the fire by posting this stupid image on Facebook, and even though we can fantasize about something like this, I think it's important to remind ourselves of how far-fetched this notion actually is.
For one thing, although I'm having some difficulty confirming exact numbers here, I believe Cesc has a massive release clause on his contract. That notwithstanding, there are probably a hundred other reasons why this can't and won't happen. And even though I think most of us would welcome him back, and we could all enjoy a nice, cuddly reunion, I'd like to think we've moved on to a post-Cesc era and that there just isn't a place for him on this club, for reasons financial, or otherwise. Arsenal are loaded with talented midfielders as it is, even if you don't include the ones who are unfit (Rosicky, Wilshere, Frimpong). When those three eventually return, they'll be fighting for minutes with Cazorla, Diaby, Arteta, Ramsey, Coquelin and possibly even Oxlaide-Chamberlain, who has more recently been used in an attacking midfield role.
Speaking of Santi Cazorla, his play has been so impressive through the first three matches that I'm inclined to use him as a like-for-like comparison to Fabregas. I know a lot of you will disagree with that, but I really feel like Santi is just now nearing his prime, and he's doing so with the benefits that come along with joining a new team, where all it takes is the right synergy and suddenly he's off to the best season of his career. I truly believe he has the potential to do things with Arsenal that he could never have done at Malaga, and although I'm sure Cazorla would welcome his fellow Spaniard with open arms, this is Santi's chance to drive the Arsenal bus and I'm excited to see what comes of it.
The downsides are that Arteta and Rosicky are aging, Diaby is constantly injured, Ramsey is inconsistent and both Ox and Coquelin are very young and inexperienced. I'm not entirely sure what to make of Frimpong just yet, who is also young, and we all know what's been going on with Wilshere. In spite of those things, I'm feeling optimistic about the here-and-now state of the midfield and I'm failing to see how bringing back Cesc, even if it were a remote possibilty, would be the right move for the club. It's financially implausible, and it definitely goes against the grain of what we've been working hard to accomplish. I'll admit the idea is somewhat mouth-watering, but in the end, it isn't worth troubling ourselves over. If nothing else, I'm feeling ill at the very idea of another transfer window circus involving Barcelona, and outside of hearsay and rumors, I'm pretty sure we can write all of this off as fantasy anyways.
That's my lot for the day. See you tomorrow as we continue to plod through the interlull. Stay strong brothers.
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