Barcelona to get Fabregas for £34m and Yaya Toure

Arsenal Fabregas
Transfer Talk: Meanwhile £50m Fernando Torres could be leaving Liverpool for Chelsea
By Bill Mann
LAST UPDATED 7:05 AM, MAY 14, 2010
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It's looking like the love affair is finally over as far as Arsenal and Cesc Fabregas are concerned. According to reports in several newspapers, the 22-year-old Spaniard has finally given in to Barcelona's relentless stalking and all-but agreed to join the conspiring Catalans.

El Mundo Deportivo says that Fabregas (above) "has told friends and family that he has come to a four-year agreement with Barcelona and hopes to leave Arsenal before the World Cup", though the man himself, in an interview with Madrid's Marca paper, was playing his cards close to his chest. "Barcelona are still playing for the Liga title and I'm still an Arsenal player. It would be a lack of respect to discuss a transfer now," said Fabregas, displaying the dignity for which he's come to be known during his seven years in London.

Having enjoyed an outstanding season in what was a mediocre campaign for Arsenal, Fabregas, who scored 19 goals in 35 games, has been targeted by several European powerhouses, including Real Madrid and Inter Milan, but the midfield maestro emphasised that: "If I decide to leave Arsenal, it will be to wear the shirt of Barcelona."

He went on to say that all he wanted was "to make a decision about my future before the start of the World Cup. It's impossible to perform at a tournament like the World Cup if you're not fully focused on the sporting aspects of the game. I don't want to be distracted by transfer talk."

Whether the Arsenal legend was referring to this column specifically wasn't clear but what was, however, was Fabregas's gratitude towards the Gunners. "I'm very happy at Arsenal. I'm in no hurry to leave the club," he said.

El Mundo Deportivo alleges that a fee of €40 million has been tentatively agreed between Arsenal and Barcelona with the Spanish also throwing in Ivory Coast defensive midfielder Yaya Toure for good measure. Fabregas's manager and mentor, Arsene Wenger, is reportedly sad to see his protégée go but respects his desire to return to Spain.

One player who hasn't got Wenger's respect – allegedly – is greedy William Gallas. The fiery Frenchman, has had his wage demands branded "extravagant" by the Gunners with some reports suggesting he wanted a two-year deal and a salary of £80,000 a week. That's big money, particularly for a declining 32-year-old, and Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood isn't having it. "His demands are quite extravagant and I don't think we are prepared to go along with it," said Hill-Wood in his customary measured tones.

"We would very much like him to stay, but I think for one year, and not on the money he wants. He is a good player, but you have got to draw the line somewhere. If he can get the money somewhere else, good luck to him. We still hope he will sign, but if he doesn't, he doesn't. It is not that we are being bloody-minded for the hell of it."

According to reports in France Gallas could be playing for Paris Saint Germain next season. That's the same Paris Saint Germain who finished 11th in the French first division this season and last won the French title in 1994. Good luck indeed.

The Sun reports that Fernando Torres could be wearing the blue of Chelsea next season. Didier Drogba is said to be eager to partner the Spanish striker and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti also finds the idea appealing. "It's not only Drogba - I would like to play with Torres. He's a very good player." Apparently Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is happy to put up the £50m needed to bring Torres from Anfield to the Bridge and a move appears likely in next month's transfer window.

Finally, the Mirror says that Fulham hero Bobby Zamora is being eyed up by Birmingham along with Paul Konchesky. The pair were an integral part of the Craven Cottagers' magnificent run to the final of the Europa League, which ended in glorious defeat on Wednesday to Atletico Madrid, but now Fulham must face the prospect of having their best players cherry-picked.

Zamora probably hoped someone a bit more glamorous than Birmingham would come calling after his eight European goals this season, but the Mirror says the striker might use the offer to wangle a pay hike at Fulham.