Monday, 2nd June, 2014
Chelsea are slap bang in the middle of the race to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, having identified the former Arsenal captain as the perfect long-term replacement for Frank Lampard.
Barcelona are open to selling Fabregas this summer for the right price, and the Blaugrana's stance has sent a number of Premier League clubs into a frenzy, including the midfielder's former side Arsenal, along with Manchester United.
However, Chelsea are in the race to snap up the midfielder, according to Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo, and are helped by the fact that Fabregas would be open to returning to London.
The Blues view Fabregas as the perfect successor to club legend Lampard.
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The England international's contract at Chelsea expires at the end of this month and he is likely to leave the club in search of one final challenge.
Chelsea's determination to buy Fabregas may be tested by Arsenal however, who boast a buy-back clause, inserted into the agreement to sell the Spain international to Barcelona in 2011.
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