Arsenal FC Transfer News: Discussions to Sign Former Gunners Skipper for £40million in Advanced Stages

Arsenal are reported to be in the advanced stages of the discussions involving a move of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The Catalan club will be offered £40million plus surplus defender Thomas Vermaelen in exchange for the former Gunners skipper this summer, according to Caught Offside, as Arsene Wenger looks to further beef-up the middle of the park.

The north Londoners endured an injury-ridden term, with Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chambelain missing key stretches, while speedster Theo Walcott still remains on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament tear, which cost them the chance to sustain the lead that they had early on in the Premier League table and clinch the title that have been evading them since the 2001/02 season.

The French manager has learned his lesson and will try to build a squad with depth and quality in the off-season.

Fabregas has been a midfield maestro all his life, but has also showed that he is versatile enough to play upfront as he did with Spain, playing as a "false 9," which could be key for Arsenal, should they be confronted with the same circumstances in the following year.

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