Have Arsenal replaced Fabregas once and for all?

When Cazorla arrived at Arsenal in the 2012/2013 season many Gunners thought that Wenger had finally found a replacement for their departed captain, Cesc Fabregas. It wasn’t surprising as both players are Spanish and are technically very sound. However, it didn’t take long before fans realized that Cazorla is quite a different player to Fabregas. Cazorla is quicker, likes to run with the ball, and plays almost as a second striker. Meanwhile, Fabregas thrives by sitting deep in midfield and orchestrating play with his excellent passing. With Mesut Ozil’s signing, however, it seems Wenger has finally found a like-for-like replacement for Fabregas. Both players seem to thrive more on the chances they create than by the goals they score. In the past two seasons, Fabregas weighed in with 42 assists in 120 games. Meanwhile, Ozil had a slightly better record of 51 assists in 122 games, albeit with fewer goals scored. It would seem that from their records, it is Cesc whom Ozil should be compared to and not Bergkamp, who is a completely different player. There is a feeling that conditions might not be entirely comfortable for Fabregas at the Nou Camp. Last season, he was criticized for poor performances in the UCL and didn’t start as many games as he should. That, to the horror of many Arsenal fans, prompted David Moyes to make vigorous moves to bring the former Arsenal captain back to the EPL. Arsenal fans have no problem with Fabregas playing for Barcelona, but they would be terribly jealous if he pitched his tent with a rival English side… say, Manchester United. I believe Arsene Wenger still monitors Fabregas’ situation at Barcelona, and may in fact have made an inquiry over his availability in the past transfer window. At a certain point in that very long transfer window, it seemed as if Cesc was on his way back, when he reportedly bought a house in London. With regards to Fabregas’ situation then, Wenger said, “What I know is that Fabregas will stay one more year, at least, in Barcelona. That’s the information I have. “If that changes, I don’t know. But that’s what I’ve BEEN TOLD”. Has Wenger been in contact with Barca officials about Fabregas? It’s not unlikely. Former players, either due to a feeling of guilt or a desire to pay back, have a tendency to return to the clubs were they made their name. For example, Flamini still thinks he has “unfinished business” at Arsenal in spite of his acrimonious departure from the club, meanwhile former players like Thierry Henry have maintained close contact with the club despite moving on to play for other teams. I still believe, nostalgia and a sense of obligation will lure Fabregas back to London, at least if Wenger is still manager. Fabregas, more than Flamini, would feel he has “unfinished business” at Arsenal because he was with us longer and was our Captain so would feel greater responsibility to pay us back in some way. However, the deal for Ozil, whom I hope would stay with us long enough, and would be just as popular with fans as his predecessor, would make any such homecoming incredibly tricky. And that’s not forgetting young players like Zelalem and Eisfeld who are looking very, very good. Should conditions not improve for Fabregas in a year’s time (like Wenger said), should Arsenal move for him? Is it finally okay for Gunners to see Fabregas go to Manchester United, next year, since we’ve got Mesut Ozil anyway?