If reports from talkSport are to be believed, Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas has agreed a deal to join Chelsea.
The London outfit have won the race to sign the Catalan midfielder. Premier League rivals, Manchester United, were rated as the favourites for the Spain international earlier this morning, while Arsenal have first option to sign him.
However, Chelsea’s giant cash offer seems to have tempted the Spaniard, who is set to reject all other options as he completes his return to the English top flight under Jose Mourinho.
Sources close to Fabregas have confirmed he will return to the Premier League in a £30million deal after being told he can leave the Nou Camp. Despite featuring 36 times in La Liga last season, he is seen as a dispensable asset and consequently, Barca manager Luis Enrique is happy to see him depart.
The 27-year-old is expected to sign as a direct replacement for club legend Frank Lampard, who has revealed he is leaving Stamford Bridge and looks set for a move to new MLS franchise New York City.
Mourinho was keen to have his transfer business concluded before the end of the World Cup, in a bid to avoid paying inflated prices.
Should Fabregas complete the move then he will join Spain teammate Diego Costa, who has just completed a medical at Stamford Bridge.