Confirmed Moves Involving Other Clubs

[Mostar]

Not sure why Barca are pursuing Cesc for 35 million plus. That Thiago Alcantara kid looks classy: passing, dribbling and shooting.

He looks top notch talent.

Not sure I also understand their infatuation with Cesc especially when it's rumored Thiago will be used as a make weight to do the deal.

[dww]

I can't believe how lowly people rate Cesc on here. He is a really exceptional player.

If Barca sell Thiago I imagine it will be with a buy back fee agreed.

[Exiled_red]

I can't believe how lowly people rate Cesc on here. He is a really exceptional player.

If Barca sell Thiago I imagine it will be with a buy back fee agreed.

[Tee]

Overrated beyond belief. A very good player but nowhere near world class IMO. Infact I cannot see how Barca will even accommodate him in their team. And as for his value, well £35m would be extremely generous - Arsenal should take it.

[Pablo]

I can't believe how lowly people rate Cesc on here. He is a really exceptional player.

[SB]

I think he's a talent but has to carry arsenal on his shoulders way too much.

He'd probably be brilliant at Barca with all that talent around him

[Maxiedge]

Cesc fabregas is quality, end of.

[Arn]

Cesc fabregas is quality, end of.

He will probably replace Xavi in a year or two and until then he will be able to act as back up to Xavi/Busquets/Iniesta.

[peekay]

I can't believe how lowly people rate Cesc on here. He is a really exceptional player.

If Barca sell Thiago I imagine it will be with a buy back fee agreed.

Cesc is world class. I am not questioning that. But they have an exceptional talent who appears to be a sure shot to reach that level, if not more.

I really don't see the need for them to pay 40m and go after Cesc now. Barca also have heavy debts. I will be really surprised if they sell Thiago , even with buyback clause.

[Mostar]

Overrated beyond belief. A very good player but nowhere near world class IMO. Infact I cannot see how Barca will even accommodate him in their team. And as for his value, well £35m would be extremely generous - Arsenal should take it.

That's just it. He's considered as long term replacement for Xavi but Xavi has at least couple years left before he is phased out.

[dww]

Cesc is world class. I am not questioning that. But they have an exceptional talent who appears to be a sure shot to reach that level, if not more.

I really don't see the need for them to pay 40m and go after Cesc now. Barca also have heavy debts. I will be really surprised if they sell c , even with buyback clause.

The thing is that those debts seem to be totally manageable and the press at the start of the season largely generated by the incoming president wanting to paint the former one in as bad a light as possible.

You have to strengthen when you are on top and Xavi is having a few injury problems. They need someone ready to step in now if he is injured and play at the very best level. Pep seems to know something about developing players and clearly doesn't think that is in a position to do that right now.

[peekay]

The thing is that those debts seem to be totally manageable and the press at the start of the season largely generated by the incoming president wanting to paint the former one in as bad a light as possible.

You have to strengthen when you are on top and Xavi is having a few injury problems. They need someone ready to step in now if he is injured and play at the very best level. Pep seems to know something about developing players and clearly doesn't think that is in a position to do that right now.

I did not know that. I thought I read an article where Barca had to take out loan to pay the wages of players. Thought it was serious stuff.

[dww]

I did not know that. I thought I read an article where Barca had to take out loan to pay the wages of players. Thought it was serious stuff.

That did happen but about a week later there were a few articles about why. A lot of it seemed to stem from what where said to be 'over cautious accounting assumptions'. I think Sid Lowe wrote about it at the time but I saw it in a number of other places too.

[Mostar]

@Football_Juice
Jonathan Spector has joined Birmingham City on a free transfer - http://bit.ly/qbzFip

[Exiled_red]

That's just it. He's considered as long term replacement for Xavi but Xavi has at least couple years left before he is phased out.

Barcelona didn't have great depth and there were suggestions that Xavi and Iniesta were getting tired towards the end of the season. If they had Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas they could probably play very effectively with any two from those three and keep everyone fit for the whole season. Or if one was out injured they'd still have a top class midfield.