Sources from Arsenal maintain that any final arrangement is still “days, rather than hours away,” yet they privately acknowledge that Fabregas’s departure is imminent.
On Friday morning, Fabregas trained with his Arsenal teammates, likely for the last time.
It is reported that Arsenal will secure $45m as a guaranteed fee, along with an additional $8m based on the number of matches played and trophies won by the 24-year-old during his stint at the Nou Camp.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that Carlos Tevez might remain at the club beyond the transfer window, as there appear to be no interested parties.
The striker, who desires a move, was linked with Inter Milan, but as time runs out, no one has reached out to the Blues.
“With two weeks left until the window closes,” Mancini stated.
“I’m uncertain if he’ll stay, but currently, there isn’t a club keen on signing him.”
The Argentina international wishes to exit Eastlands, with his potential transfer to former club Corinthians collapsing at the last minute in July.
City is asking for approximately $65m for the 27-year-old, and due to his wage expectations, few clubs globally could manage such a transfer.
Owen Hargreaves has been offered a Premier League opportunity by West Brom after enduring a three-year injury ordeal that led to his release from Manchester United in July.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher is prepared to play again following a long-term illness.
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has informed Rangers that they can still acquire central defender Carlos Cuellar for £2m if they desire.
Joey Barton is also being sought after by Zenit St Petersburg, as the Russian team is ready to extend a lucrative offer to the midfielder, who has been informed he can leave Newcastle United for free despite having a year left on his contract.
Stoke City is nearing a deal for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton and Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ambitious Championship team Leicester is eager to sign Tottenham striker Robbie Keane for $5m.
Tottenham have intensified their pursuit of Blackburn defender Chris Samba and are willing to offer cash plus defender Sebastien Bassong as part of the agreement. Spurs are prepared to target Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian if Luka Modric leaves for Chelsea.
Aston Villa has joined the competition to sign French striker David Trezeguet, who is a free agent after departing from Hercules.
FIXTURES
Saturday, 13 August 2011
West Brom v Man Utd, 23:00 WA, Monday, 15 August 2011 00:00 AET
Man City v Swansea, 03:00 WA, 05:00 AET
by Terence Johns
