According to L'Equipe, Cesc Fabregas met with Monaco vice-president to iron his contract terms, but the French club is demanding Chelsea lower their agkins price.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be just hours away from signing a contract with Monaco. According to French daily L’Equipe, Fabregas and his agent had a meeting with Monaco vice-president, Vadim Vasilyev, on Sunday evening, during which a contract agreement was made between both sides that would see the ex-Barcelona player sign with the French club until 2021.
Apparently, the only thing stalling the official confirmation of the move is in relation to Chelsea’s asking price for the player, which Monaco has deemed too high.
The Ligue 1 club, currently being coached by Fabregas’ former Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry, are apparently not willing to pay what Chelsea are asking for a player whose contract ends in June this year. According to reports in the English press, the London club have asked for 10 million euros for the 31-year-old – a figure well below his current market value of 25 million euros.
Nevertheless, an agreement between the two clubs is expected to be reached soon and will depend more on how quickly Chelsea can find a replacement for the Spanish midfielder before the close of the January transfer market.
On Saturday, Fabregas played what looks to be his lasyt game for Chelsea in the 2-0 win over Notthingham Forest in the FA Cup, and seemingly waved his goodbyes to the crowd when coming off in the 85th minute.
Difficult times for Monaco
Monaco are going through one of the most difficult periods in their recent history and are currently sitting 19th in the Ligue 1 table – a situation which would have seemed unthinkable at the beginning of the season for a club that won the French league title just two seasons ago and have finished in the top three for the past five consecutive seasons.
Not even the arrival of Thierry Henry as coach in October has helped to turn Monaco’s fortunes around, and the club has only managed to secure just three wins in 18 games this season.
The signing of Fabregas would offer a much-needed morale boost for Monaco fans, who will hope the Spaniard can help the team to climb out of the relegation zone during the second half of the Ligue 1 season.
His move to the principality would also come as particularly good news to Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, who, just a few weeks ago, vented his frustrations in a post-match interview, during which he criticized the club for “playing with reserves” and appealed to the board to “bring in new players” in January.
acteman
58
He is definitely an Arsenal Legend. He was the heartbeat of the young side in the early Emirates era and his heart really beat for us. Remember the penalty with a broken leg against Barca. We can't blame him for leaving for Barca considering he was a La Masia graduate and the team they had. When it didn't work out he wanted to come back, but Arsenal had Ozil and rejected him. He couldn't just sit on the Barca bench forever, hence signed for Chelsea. These things happen in football, but it doesn't mean he wasn't a true Arsenal Icon.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
50
Probably a top 5 best playmaker in the premier league. A real shame to see a veteran player like Fabregas leave Chelsea and the prem. A faithful servant in the time of need. Won 4 trophies with Chelsea, 1 with Arsenal and 4 with Barca as well as a world cup with Spain. Not only does he have a fantastic résumé, but he also has proven himself at the 2 best leagues in the world and if he was in his prime now, would have easily been a starter at Barca. Unlucky to have been in a Barca side with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta at the time. Was truly one of the best midfielders to ever play football. Exceptional reading of the game and vision. Form is temporary, class is permanent and Cesc is top class. Wish him the best at his next venture...