Chelsea transfer rumour: AC Milan in pursuit of an unwilling Cesc Fabregas
AC Milan are keen to sign Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Chelsea after reports surfaced that he had fallen into disfavour with manager Antonio Conte. He was initially viewed as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba at Juventus and also linked to the two Spanish giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, it’s the Milanese club who seem to be most interested in him.
After a disappointing outing last season, Fabregas may have been looking forward to a brand new regime under Conte but things haven’t quite worked out that way. Circumstances suggest the midfielder has failed to make a positive impression on the Italian. He has not started any of Chelsea’s three Premier League games and came on only as a substitute in the 78th minute for their second league game against Watford where he made an assist for the winning goal.
Despite rumours of a falling out between Conte and the former Barcelona midfielder, Fabregas seems ready to work on his form and relationship with the manager. In an Instagram post earlier this week, Fabregas made his plans painfully clear, “Contrary to what has been written, the manager and I have a good relationship and he has NEVER told me that I can leave.”
Contrary to what has been written, the manager and I have a good relationship and he has NEVER told me that I can leave. He said that he counts on me, as I count on him. I will continue to fight for this club until the very end and when called upon I will always give my very best. I'm fully committed to @chelseafc and my only goal is to help them win more trophies. #ChelseaFC
It seems like he has no qualms with staying on the sidelines until he is called upon to contribute to the team. Fabregas, who helped Chelsea win the Capital One League Cup and the Premier League title in his first season there, spoke like a true-blue team player in his post. The Chelsea manager seems to be on the same page.
In a recent interview, Conte said, “Cesc is Chelsea's player, and I'm happy about him, with his attitude and behaviour … That can happen that Fabregas is not in the starting XI, but it can happen for all the players. It's important to see always the right attitude. Because we must fight this season and it's important to stay together in every situation.”
In spite of the apparent understanding reached between Conte and Fabregas, AC Milan is even willing to sign the Chelsea midfielder on loan. After obtaining the services of Mario Pasalic, a Croatian midfielder on loan for the entire season, the Italian club enquired about Fabregas whose wages they are more than willing to pay. Fabregas is currently on a £10 million per year deal at the London club.