The decision by new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to leave Cesc Fabregas on the bench in last night’s 2-1 win over West Ham, has set the rumour mill running in both the UK and Spain. With new signing Kante playing alongside Matic and Oscar, the 29-year-old Spaniard fears for his future at Stamford Bridge, but there could be a potential lifeline in the offering.
 

According to reports in Spanish daily Sport, representatives of Fabregas have made contact with Real Madrid President Florentino Perez to discuss the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu. It’s an operation that looks difficult at the moment, given the abundance of midfielders at coach Zidane’s disposal. However, James Rodriguez, Kovacic and Isco are by no means secure at the club and if one of them is off-loaded, the former Barcelona man could well be the replacement.  

If Fabregas does return to Spain, it would open up a whole new set of possibilities in the transfer market. James Rodriguez was a heavy investment by Perez and his signing has raised the clubs profile in South America. His departure at this time seems highly unlikely. The situation is different for Isco and Kovacic; the two players have been courted by Juventus and Milan and this is where the arrival of Fabregas could have a real effect.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler