AS Monaco expected to sign Fàbregas from Chelsea next week — report

Rumors of Cesc Fàbregas’s departure have been gathering steam all season, and if the latest missives from France are to be believed, they are soon to reach a conclusion. While AC Milan have been the front-runners in the rumor mill, it would appear that AS Monaco have won the affections, probably in no small part due to the presence of former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry as the current head coach. (Not to mention former Chelsea Director of Football Michael Emenalo pulling the strings in the background as well.)

According to L’Equipe, Monaco are “likely to conclude” the 31-year-old’s signing next week, who will presumably be released from his contract six months early (or will command a token transfer fee).

The French first division is currently in the middle of their one-month-long winter break, but Monaco have a couple Cup games coming up before Ligue 1 play resumes in two weeks with a big showdown against Olympique Marseille.

Monaco, the Champions of France just two seasons ago and runners-up last season, have been mired in relegation all season and are currently four points from safety. They could certainly use any and all help to try to recover their position.

Could this be the “new European project” that Fàbregas reportedly chose for his next adventure? We’ll find out soon enough. (Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to get to work on finding a replacement to be Jorginho’s backup.)