Chelsea 'close' to signing Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Chelsea are close to signing ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. The paper is claiming that Jose Mourinho sees the Spaniard as a potential replacement for the outgoing Frank Lampard. Worth noting here is that the big Spanish papers are among the least reliable sources of accurate information on the planet, and that Mundo Deportivo is The Daily Star of Spanish tabloids.

I have my doubts that this report has any legs, as it's long been rumored that Arsenal have some sort of first option on the midfielder if Barcelona decide to sell. He's also never seemed to fond of Jose Mourinho, and his Arsenal past could make a move to the nicer side of London a little tougher to justify.

Still, Fabregas is a fine player who also qualifies as homegrown, and would make a decent plan B if Chelsea can't get their hands on Paul Pogba. As much sense as it might make though, I can't say I'll be too disappointed when this rumor turns out to be complete garbage.