After a slow start, Chelsea’s summer transfer business has started to pick up in the last few weeks. The likes of Ethan Ampadu, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willy Caballero and Antonio Rudiger have all joined the club from Exeter City, Monaco, Manchester City and Roma respectively. However, the most notable arrival has been that of Álvaro Morata from Real Madrid in a deal worth around £70 million.
However, keeping certain players at Stamford Bridge is just as important for Antonio Conte as bringing new faces in this summer. A number of high profile players have been linked with a move away from Chelsea including striker Diego Costa.
One player who has also been linked with a move away is midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Conte was reportedly willing to let the 30-year-old move on this summer but we take a look at the reasons why they should keep hold of the Spaniard for the upcoming season.
A wealth of experience
Fabregas has a wealth of experience having played at the highest level of the game for many years now with Arsenal, Barcelona and now Chelsea. In his 100 appearances so far for the Blues, he has experienced a lot of success, most recently lifting the Premier League title in May.
It would be a strange move by Conte if he allowed a player with as much experience as Fàbregas to move on and join another club. Not only would he strengthen the squad of a potential rival but they would also lose a huge influence in the dressing room.
Matić on his way to Old Trafford
With Matic making his way to Manchester United, then there is a chance that Fàbregas could actually feature more for Chelsea next season that he did in the previous one.
Bakayoko has joined the club this summer from Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, but with Matic gone, N’Golo Kanté, Fàbregas and Bakayoko are Chelsea’s only notable CMs.
An exciting understanding with Morata
Fabregas has revealed that he has already built a good understanding with new teammate Morata who he feels can make a big impact for them this season in the Premier League. He also feels that Michy Batshuayi can have a big season in the upcoming campaign.
He told Chelsea’s official site: “I’ve played with Alvaro and I’ve always had a good understanding with him. He is a striker who has a lot of potential, the same as Michy Batshuayi, to improve. It’s up to them how far they want to go”.
Fabregas Still Has a big role to play
At 30-years-old, Fabregas may be past his prime but he can still have a positive part to play at Chelsea. Fellow Spaniards Xavi and Iniesta have gone on to play well into their thirties at Barcelona in La Liga. It is just about adapting your personal playing style to ensure you can carry on playing at the top level for as long as possible. This is exactly what Fàbregas needs to do at Chelsea next season.
