Although it is widely reported that the most recent Barcelona bid for Cesc Fabregas was rejected, Arsenal are still expecting him to be sold before the end of the summer transfer window.
Arsene Wenger is reportedly already scouring the market for his replacement, and is contemplating a bid for Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund – who was linked with a Manchester United move last season.
The Japanese attacking midfielder scored 8 times in 18 league games for the eventual champions last season, before a metatarsal injury ruled him out for the second half of the season.
Fabregas scored 19 goals in 36 appearances in the 2009-10 season, but persistent hamstring troubles meant he was unable to put together a similarly prolific run of form last season.
Kagawa is far more of a direct player than Fabregas, but he could still offer the midfield goal threat that no Arsenal player currently offers.
“I cannot imagine playing for any club in Germany other than BVB,” stated Kagawa, but he then cast doubt on his long term future by revealing things could soon change.
“Right now, everything suits me at Dortmund. But, if I were to transfer to a different club in the future, then I would choose Barcelona.
“They are playing the best football in the world.”
Perhaps, but if Fabregas goes, Kagawa could move to the next best thing.
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