Is Arsenal star set to be a pawn in political battle?

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders, in light of the goings on at Madrid this summer, whether Arsenal would be able to resist a Barca bid next summer.

Cesc Fabregas is set to be the pawn in the election campaign at Barcelona next summer to the dismay of all Arsenal fans.

Joan Laporta, the current president at the Nou Camp, can not stand for a third term and will stand down at the end of the season.

Sandro Rosell, the former vice-president before the pair fell out spectacularly, is expected to push for election, reports The Guardian.

Rosell is expected to pledge to sign Fabregas, who started his career at the club.

It is on these pledges that the campaigns are won and lost, just look at Madrid. Florentino Perez was elected on the promise that he would bring the world's greatest players to the Bernabau and he has not disappointed.

Wenger and co know the need for silverware this season, just as they have last year and the year before that.

Ronaldo left United for Madrid after winning nearly every gong going. Fabregas, given the option, would surely contemplate moving to Barca – arguably even stronger than their rivals – if they come calling.

Time is running out for Wenger's investment in youth to pay off. An emphatic opening day victory followed by a cruise against Celtic in Glasgow bodes well for the rest of the season, but there are still fears that there is not enough strength and depth in the squad.

Fabregas has long been linked with a move back to his homeland and, after helping Spain to glory in 2008, has established himself as one of the world's elite midfielders.

La Liga is the only division that comes close to the Premier League and it is not beyond the realms of reality that, after baron years at the Emirates, Fabregas would be tempted to move.

Wenger will be hoping that Arsenal can deliver this year by way of convincing Fabregas to stay should Barca come calling next summer.

But, as we all know, every player has their price and these elections are usually capped with a flurry of high profile signings.

Each week 888Sport are offering more ways to win, look-out for free bet specials, bet-back bonanzas and Champions League promotions as well as fantastic team-related prizes, memorabilia and BIG prize draws! Also get a FREE football shirt.