Transfer News: Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas plays down exit talk

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has played down talk of an exit this summer amid rumours of interest from Manchester United and AC Milan

Cesc Fabregas has played down talk of an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer and insists that he has adapted to Antonio Conte’s philosophy. The Spaniard says that he wants to stay and fight for a place and that he will not cause any unrest by pushing for an exit.

” I have already made a statement that there is no truth in it [an exit] and I want to stay,” he said, according to the London Evening Standard. “I can understand that there is doubt. I know that as a player I like to play with the ball and on the defensive side I’m not like that.”

” But it shows that I have adapted very well to his (Antonio Conte’s) philosophy and what he wants. Hopefully I can learn more to play even more. Sometimes the easy way is to escape, to say ‘I don’t play’, get upset and say you want to leave, to create a drama. In my mind I decided ‘no, I want to challenge myself’.”

Fabregas has been restricted to a squad role after playing a starring role in Chelsea’s push for the title back in the 2014-15 season, and this has sparked rumours that the Spanish international will look for another club in the summer.

The Spaniard has only managed 6 starts in the league and 11 substitute appearances, but has been impressive nonetheless, picking up 3 goals and 7 assists in those appearances. Fabregas picked up the man of the match award as he helped Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Swansea with a goal and an assist.

His diminished role in the team this season has sparked rumours that Chelsea will consider selling the 29-year old this summer with several of Europe’s elite said to be interested in signing the midfielder, who will only have 2 years left on his contract at the end of the season.

Jose Mourinho – who brought Fabregas to Stamford Bridge in a €33 million deal back in 2014 – is said to be interested in resigning the midfielder and is reportedly monitoring his situation at Chelsea very closely.

Fabregas thrived under the Portuguese manager, who is clearly a big fan, and with Michael Carrick set to depart at the end of the season Mourinho could use an experienced head in central midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.

AC Milan are also said to be interested in signing the Spanish international as they look to rebuild their side. Milan are set to be taken over by Chinese company Sino-Europe Sport and will have the finances to sign their top targets this summer.

Fabregas is apparently high on their list of targets and may not be too expensive given his age and how much time he has left on his contract, but going by Fabregas’ comments, neither of the clubs will have a realistic chance of signing him should he decide to stay on at Chelsea.