With Chelsea's core group of midfield playmakers aging, Roman Abramovic is reportedly looking to match his £50 million purchase of Fernando Torres on a bid for fellow Spanish international Cesc Fabregas.
The 23-year-old Arsenal captain has long been linked with a return to Barcelona, the club of his youth, though he has continued to play at full speed for the Gunners — something Torres can easily be accused of failing to do in his final season at Anfield.
Arsene Wenger, fearing that he may ultimately have to sell his team's centerpiece, has given Fabregas a £60 million price tag, but Wenger may be willing to sell if he is presented with a £50 million bid, according to Metro.co.uk.
Chelsea apparently views Fabregas as a perfect fit to partner with Frank Lampard in central midfield, as Michael Essien continues to age. The Blues, though, would likely have to shed multiple big-name players to make room for Fabregas, both on the wage bill and on the pitch.
It is, however, difficult to believe that Fabregas would make a move to anywhere but the Nou Camp, given his deep ties to the club and to his Spanish teammates who play there.