Cesc Fabregas gives update on his status as exit grows nearer

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas claims he hasn’t held talks with any clubs as rumours of an exit from Stamford Bridge continue to circle.

The Spaniard has fallen well down the pecking order in recent times with Ross Barkley now favoured in his position. Not a single start has come his way in the Premier Division this season, making only three appearances off the bench.

Fabregas got some rare minutes on the pitch Thursday night, featuring in the entirety of Chelsea’s 4-0 Europa League Group L victory over Greek side PAOK.

The 31-year-old, who boasts 110 caps for Spain, has been linked with a move to AC Milan as his contract ticks down ahead of it’s expiry in the summer, but he insisted after Chelsea’s victory last night that no contact has been made between himself and other teams.

“Milan-Chelsea contacts? I have not talked to anyone. It is obvious that if I have not signed the renewal, from January I can agree with anyone and this probably will attract many clubs.

“Will I stay until the end of the season? For now I can say yes.”

Manager Maurizio Sarri was highly complimentary of Fabregas’ display against PAOK. He said: “Cesc Fabregas played very, very well, especially in the first half.

“I said that in the central position of the three midfielders I prefer a very technical player like Jorginho or Cesc but N’Golo Kante has never played with me in this position, he has always played on the right of centre, he can do very well in that position.

“Jorginho cannot play in midfield with only two midfielders.”

Fabregas hasn’t been short of success during his time with the Blues since his £30million move from Barcelona, winning the Premier League on two occasions in 2015 and 2017. He was also part of the Chelsea side which won the FA Cup last season.

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