The Chelsea playmaker is reportedly Besiktas’ dream summer signing – meaning he could replace the Tottenham Hotspur target in their XI.
It’s a testament to the spirit and togetherness Antonio Conte has forged at Stamford Bridge that the frequent absence of Cesc Fabregas from the starting line-up hasn’t caused even the briefest hint of problems behind the scenes.
The Spaniard may have played all 90 minutes and opened the scoring in Saturday’s shock defeat to Crystal Palace but, overall, he has only started eight times in the Premier League this season. And, according to Aksam, Besiktas are hoping to take full advantage of his reduced role.
The publication claims that the Super Lig leaders’ president, Fikret Orman, has travelled to London to speak personally to the Spanish playmaker who, despite his lack of regular action, has still scored four and assisted seven more in 2016/17.
Besitkas will reportedly earn £42 million from their sponsorship with Vodafone, not to mention another £25m for taking part in the Champions League, meaning they will have funds to burn at the end of the season and have their hearts set on a marquee signing.
And, while purporting to reduce the strength in depth at Conte’s disposal, the potential loss of Fabregas will surely put a smile on the face of Chelsea’s nearest title challengers, Tottenham Hotspur.
After all, the Spaniard would appear to be an ideal replacement for in-demand midfielder Ozughan Ozyakup. The Express report that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of the £12 million-rated Turkey international, renowned for his driving runs from deep midfield.
And if he does indeed depart the reigning champions at the end of the season, it would leave a gaping hole at the base of Besiktas’ midfield.
Therefore, their reported interest in Fabregas may not only be in the hope of taking the Istanbul outfit to the next level but also an attempt to compensate for Ozyakup’s potential departure to White Hart Lane.
Chelsea could end up doing Tottenham a favour, as unthinkable as that might be.
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