• Premier League

Chelsea interested in signing Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas left Arsenal and the Premier League in 2011 © Getty Images

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Chelsea are considering a bid for Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas after initial contact between the clubs, sources have told ESPN.

Barca are looking to rejuvenate their squad in a complete overhaul this summer, and have made it known to the leading Premier League clubs that they would consider offers for the former Arsenal man.

Come home, Cesc

Fabregas re-signed with Barcelona in 2011 © PA Photos

• Arsenal should bring Fabregas back to the Emirates, writes ESPN FC's James McNicholas.
• Click here to read the full article.

So far there has only been tentative interest, but it is now understood that Chelsea are giving serious weight to the idea.

A source told ESPN on Monday that Manchester City will not be making a move for Fabregas.

Chelsea's requirement to bolster their midfield is amplified by the fact that Frank Lampard will leave the club. Manchester United had significant interest in Fabregas last season, but they currently have no plans to enter the race.

New manager Louis van Gaal is said to have drawn up a completely new list of targets, which resulted in the end of the pursuit of Bayern's Toni Kroos after months of work, and Fabregas is not on it. It remains to be seen, however, whether Chelsea's interest will cause that situation to change.

Meanwhile, the Times reports that Chelsea have also opened talks with Atletico Madrid about signing midfielder Koke, though face stiff competition from Barcelona.

Chelsea are already believed to be close to completing three deals with Atletico worth £51 million to sign Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Tiago.

Koke is now also said to be on Jose Mourinho's radar, but Atletico are under no pressure to sell with the player having signed a new contract in January.

Barcelona's new manager Luis Enrique has reportedly lined up Koke as the perfect replacement should Fabregas depart the Nou Camp, with the club's interest driving the asking price up to £35m.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd