Man Utd Transfer News: Arsenal Not In Race For Cesc Fabregas?
Daily Star. United yesterday tabled an opening offer of £26 million for the 26-year-old, who quit North London and moved to the Nou Camp two summers ago. Arsenal insisted that a £25 million buy-back clause with a 50% sell-on was inserted as part of the deal, after selling Fabregas to the Catalans for £30 million. That effectively gives the Gunners "first refusal" if ever the La Liga champions sell the midfielder, which threatened to scupper United's move. However, manager Arsene Wenger has made no efforts to re-sign his former captain, which leaves the Premier League champions in pole position for his signature. Barcelona are unlikely however to accept United's opening bid, which came after David Moyes was left disappointed following number one target Thiago Alcantara's move to Bayern Munich. It also remains to be seen if Fabregas would be willing to move to Old Trafford, given that he was embroiled in a number of fiery encounters there during his Arsenal days. He is suspected of being the individual behind "pizza gate" during a particularly stormy encounter at the Theatre of Dreams in 2004. But Fabregas is said to be disgruntled at Barcelona and is one of several stars unhappy by the fact Brazilian superstar Neymar has been handed such huge wages, which top those paid to even Lionel Messi.