We all know the tale of Cesc Fabregas, his dramatic return to Barcelona after eight years at Arsenal, which tore him apart (so much he went on strike to leave), and the constant speculation that he’ll return to the club that made him captain and brought him to prominence.

Do we dare?

Much like last summer, reports have emerged that Barcelona wish to offload more peripheral players like Fabregas to fund a move for a new striker and centre-back. Arsenal have first-refusal rights for Fabregas, and would only have to play £30m as opposed to his £75m release clause thanks to the buy-back installed in the contract by Arsene Wenger.

Combined with the fact that he and his partner are apparently keen to raise their new child in London, and he’s been liking Arsenal-related images on Instagram, the idea of him returning doesn’t seem too far-fetched. If he did return, he’d certainly be the best player at the club.

Perhaps not

I don’t like to be the party-pooper, but a lot of reports are fairly liberal with their interpretations of Fabregas’s situation.

He’s started the most games for Barca this season behind Messi and Xavi, and is their second-highest scorer this season. When Tito Vilanova was healthy and had full control over the team, Fabregas was arguably their most important player. Barca’s more direct style relied on his vertical movement and late arrivals in the box.

Now Barca are stuck between philosophies, and Fabregas is having difficulties. If things aren’t sorted out he will continue to struggle for game time, but Vilanova will likely continue on and impress a more direct style on Barcelona once more.

And, what’s to say he’ll return to Arsenal? He’s always said that he’d never play for another team than Arsenal or Barca, but footballers LIE. He’ll end up at City, or Milan or Spurs because God hates Arsenal. Or something.

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