The latest offer tabled for £33m for Cesc Fabregas has been rejected by Arsenal. The actual amount was £28m with over £5m in variables. That figure comes from bonuses based on appearances made and titles won. This is still about £7m short of the price the Gunners are demanding for Fabregas. They are also clear they want a clean deal without backloaded payments.
Peter Hill- Wood on Barca's bid. "The offer is not close to what we are looking for. It is very simple from our point of view. We have told them what we want and we are holding to it."
"Barca are offering variables depending on all sorts of fantastical things, but we are not interested in that. We want them to pay what he's worth."
Tomorrow is also the deadline for filing the list of players appearing for the Champions League playoffs which according to reports Fabregas is resisting because it could mean being cup tied. However this might be moot given he's been ruled out of the Newcastle opener because of match fitness issues. He might be entered but there are practically very little chance of him playing the CL playoffs till this is all resolved.
The problem really is Fabregas's valuation comes from the understanding he wants to go back to his boyhood club. What Arsenal should do at this point is if his transfer does not work out is to declare it open from next season and negotiate with the highest bidder. Then we'll see whether Barca wants him or not.
it would be sad to see fabregas leave the premier league but it would be interesting to see how he fits in at barca, whether he replaces iniesta or xavi or if he becomes a luxury sub. check out this prose: http://theirtactics.com/how-would-cesc-fabregas-fit-in-the-barcelona-line-up/