Monday, 26th May, 2014
Incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ordered the Red Devils to withdraw from the race to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, leaving the field open for Arsenal.
Fabregas is available this summer for the right price, as Barcelona look to reshape their squad for next season under new coach Luis Enrique.
The former Arsenal midfielder has been strongly linked with heading back to the Premier League, with Manchester United key suitors following a failed transfer chase last summer.
But according to El Mundo Deportivo, Van Gaal has crossed Fabregas out of his list of potential summer signings, with his eyes focusing elsewhere.
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That leaves the door firmly ajar for Arsenal, who have a first-refusal option on their former midfielder.
It is one the Gunners are believed to be keen on activating for the right price.
However, while Barcelona are willing to cash in on Fabregas, it remains to be seen if the Spain international himself wants to quit his boyhood club to return to the Premier League – and the Catalans will not push him out of the Camp Nou.
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