Chelsea's Cesc Fàbregas is not having a grand time this season. After spending the last two seasons as a key player, the 29-year-old has barely seen time on the pitch since Antonio Conte's arrival at Stamford Bridge, making just one start and three substitute appearances in the eight Premier League matches so far. While he started both League Cup matches, his lack of playing time is a factor that could open up interest from other clubs for his services.
While earlier stray rumors have been soundly dismissed by all parties involved, according to the London Evening Standard AC Milan directors Marco Fassone and Massimiliano Mirabelli have taken the opportunity of a London trip to visit with Chelsea and make an enquiry over a potential Fàbregas transfer to San Siro. Fassone and Mirabelli have been put in charge as Chief Executive and Director of Sport respectively by the new Milan ownership.
AC Milan manager Vincenzo Montella recently claimed that Fàbregas wouldn't suit his system. Fàbregas himself has remained fully committed to the team and Conte has claimed repeatedly that the Spaniard remains a part of his plans as well. Yet here we all are, back in the rumor mill again.
With the 3-4-3 working well without Fàbregas on the pitch, the need for his services — as well as the prospect of getting playing time outside of the minor cups and the occasional entrance as a sub — have certainly diminished. Should this continue, there’s an ever increasing chance of him leaving Chelsea in the near future.