Chelsea have secured the signing of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas on a five-year contract for around £28 million. He becomes the first major signing of the summer.
Chelsea have been in negotiations with Barcelona for the last few weeks after learning about the availability of Fabregas, who spent eight years at Arsenal before moving to the Camp Nou in 2011. A World Cup winner with Spain, Fabregas will be expected to replace Frank Lampard, who left the club after 13 years of impeccable service.
Fabregas stated that he is delighted to be at a club like Chelsea, while he also said that he has an unfinished business in the Premier League. The Spaniard is yet to win the league title. He said:
“Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.
“I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return.
“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can’t wait to start playing.”
Fabregas posed in a Chelsea shirt for the first time. He will wear the No.4 shirt that has just been vacated by David Luiz.
Thank God for this deal. Now Mikel or Ramires can move on.