On Cesc Fabregas: The war between Wenger and Barcelona

The man pictured above is 23 year old Cesc Fabregas. He was raised in Barcelona's Camp Nou in their youth program. Soon, he was spotted by talented Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and was signed to the club in 2003 at the age of 16. A year later, following the injuries of key midfielders, Fabregas would become the starting midfielder and one of the principle goal scorers for the Gunners. He would eventually become the captain, and one of the youngest captains in the Premier League at that.

Fabregas is a very special player, known for unforgiving pace, deadly accurate shots, legs that never tire, and with that, some of the longest and most visually impressive runs most in North London had ever seen.

But, after a depressing season that ended with Arsenal well behind league leaders Manchester United and Chelsea, Cesc looked over at where his roots were, Barca. He saw a team that won the La Liga, a cup title, and even witnessed first hand how they could devastate opponents in Messi's 4-1 route of Arsenal in the Champions League.

He also saw world class midfielder Xavi and a gaping hole in the other midfield spot next to him, filled intermittenly by a struggling Toure, and a much-too-young Sergio Busquets. He saw a niche for himself. He could see Xavi's lead passes putting him on his way to goal, ripping and tearing through defenders in La Liga, leading Barca to glory. He saw a vast majority of Spanish national players like Andre Iniesta and Carles Puyol. He wanted in. And Barca has shown their interest in him.

What followed has been a two week long war between Arsene Wenger and the Barca staff. Arsenal came out just two days ago and said that Barca could have Fabregas...for 80 million. Barca are willing to pay 15, or even as much as 30, but Arsenal's assertion has some thinking that this war could last all summer, effectively putting a halt on both club's transfer activities.

Furthermore, Wenger has disclosed privately that he is resigned to Fabregas leaving, and that the player himself is absolutely vehement about going too.

But the Gunners can't just let their captain walk away, or at least it seems the owners are pushing Wenger not to let him. The inevitability of Fabregas leaving at this point is evident, now Cesc will just have to wait it out, knowing that Wenger, the man who effectively brought him where he is today, is extremely sad. Wenger made comments yesterday about how much he loved Cesc, and really hates to see him go.

Maybe Wenger isn't so resigned to him leaving. Because although Fabregas has said that he is focused on the World Cup for Spain at this point, one can't help but wonder what he feels when he reads the tabloids, and sees how much Arsenal wants him to stay. Personally I think he'll be a great addition to Barca, mostly because I'm really tired of seeing Toure mucking up every time he gets the ball. But I know that things won't be the same next year in North London with their golden boy gone.