Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas will join Ligue 1 side AS Monaco ‘next week’ as manager Thierry Henry sets the building blocks ahead for his ambitious project.
Fàbregas appeared to bid a fond farewell to Chelsea fans, in a show of emotion that fuelled speculation the midfielder is off to Monaco to play for his former Arsenal team-mate, Henry.
Having lost his place in the first-team under manager Maurizio Sarri, the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner has been restricted to just six appearances in the league.
Despite his recent inactivity, the former Barcelona midfielder arguably ranks as the greatest ever Spaniard to ply his trade in the English top-flight with the most appearances (350) of any player from Spain and the second-most assists in Premier League history.
His 111 assists tally is the most of any non-UK player and only Ryan Giggs tops him, with 162 assists.
The ex-Gunners forward has a battle on his hands to keep the 2017 Ligue 1 champions in the division.
They are three points away from safety and lie 19th in the table after just three wins from 18 matches, however, it has to be noted that the spine of their 2016/17 title-winning spine was ripped apart and the current squad lacks experience.
Henry’s pursuit of 31-year-old confirms his intention to rectify the experience issue as he looks to ease their relegation concerns and start building towards the upper echelons of French and European football once again.
According to L’Equipe, the 110-time capped La Roja star will be unveiled as the club’s marquee signing by next week.
