Much has been made of Arsene Wenger's decision to pass on Cesc Fabregas prior to the Spaniard's move to Chelsea, with the ex-Barcelona midfielder moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer 0f 2014. Signed for around £30 million, Fabregas would go on to play a starring role under Jose Mourinho in the following season, as he finally bagged an elusive Premier League winners medal.

In his first season back in the Premier League, he picked up an astonishing 18 Premier League assists, as he combined with Diego Costa to devastating effect. Playing alongside Nemanja Matic, Fabregas played a pivotal role in what was undoubtedly the most efficient Premier League midfield in recent memory. That was a high point for Fabregas, with his role in the Chelsea midfield reducing in significance following the end of that campaign.

However, even if Fabregas' status has diminished at Chelsea this season, the facts and figures continue to make for very unpleasant reading for Arsene Wenger. In just six Premier League starts, he has picked up three goals and seven assists - with his latest goal coming against Swansea City over the weekend. They aren't meaningless goals, either. Fabregas has often come on at the death and influenced games, with his combination with Diego Costa continuing to pay dividends for Antonio Conte.

His role at Chelsea, then, is what makes it so galling for Wenger within the context of Arsenal's current run of form. The Gunners, at present, seem devoid of any leadership, and it is worth noting that Fabregas captained Arsenal when he was just 21-years-old. The Spaniard built a recognisable rapport with his teammates from the middle of the park. Under Arsene Wenger at present, they lack the hunger, the desire, and the passion to be able to compete - and those traits can only be built through leadership.

At 29-years-old, Fabregas is now a more senior figure and is quickly turning into one of the main leaders within the Chelsea first team - and that is something that Arsenal are desperately lacking. Antonio Conte has taken his time to recognise Fabregas' strengths, but there is no doubting the role that he will have at Stamford Bridge going forward.

You also have to consider the role that Fabregas would play at Arsenal. He is currently excelling as a deep-lying playmaker - which is the one role that Arsenal are desperately lacking depth in. Santi Cazorla, who has recently been ruled out for the rest of the season, completely changes the way that the Gunners play. Funnily enough, that is also the exact same influence that Cesc Fabregas is currently having within the Chelsea first team.

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Offering a balance between defence and attack, whilst also ensuring a goal threat going forward - Fabregas could have filled a Cazorla-shaped hole for the Gunners, but Wenger failed to see how influential he could be.

As Chelsea look to continue their title challenge, Arsenal are languishing perilously close to a finish outside of the top four. In what could be Wenger's final season in charge, the consequences of his Fabregas mistake are beginning to become very real. The Spaniard could have been helping the Gunners acquire a famous title resurgence - alongside securing a new deal for Wenger - but instead, he is helping Chelsea obtain another Premier League trophy.

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