Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly looking to bring Barcelona's out-of-favour midfielder Cesc Fabregas back to the Emirates this summer.
Barcelona, who endured a very disappointing season under former boss Gerardo Martino last term, are reportedly keen on offloading some underperforming players, to make room for fresh talent this summer.
And the out-of-form Fabregas and forwards Alexis Sanchez and Pedro, who were not seen modelling Barcelona's new 2014/15 home kit, have reportedly been asked to leave the Nou Camp this summer.
Though Manchester United were thought to be leading the race to secure the Spaniard's signature, Arsenal have reportedly butted in with their first refusal option, according to the Mirror.
The north London club cleverly added a first refusal clause in Fabregas' contract when he left the Emirates for Barcelona (for a transfer fee of £35, plus a further £5m in variables) back in 2011. Now, if Fabregas receives bids from any other club and Barcelona are planning to sell, they will have to inform the Gunners first.
This means Arsenal will have the first chance to sign Fabregas (for a £25 buy-back deal, according to the Telegraph) if he was to be placed on the transfer market this summer.
It is believed that Wenger is keen on bringing Fabregas back to Arsenal, despite already having a wealth of options in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of signing Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna on a free transfer.
According to the Guardian, the 31-year-old Frenchman, who is eager to leave Arsenal this summer after his wage demands were not met, has already agreed a three-year deal worth £120,000 a week at Etihad.
The capture of Sagna on a free transfer will be very beneficial to City, who are only allowed to spend £49m in the transfer market this summer as a punishment for breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Though City already have an experienced, in-form right-back in Argentine Pablo Zabaleta, the Frenchman's acquisition will prove to be very useful as he is known to be very versatile, playing at left-back as well central defence during his time at Arsenal.
With Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott set to depart the club this summer, Sagna's arrival will definitely be welcome at the Etihad.
Elsewhere, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is also thought to be interested in Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, though it is rumoured that Real Madrid are already in a pole position to sign the former England international.
