After years linking Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona while the midfielder was at Arsenal, the Spaniard returns to the Premier League not in the colours of the Gunners, but with their city rivals Chelsea.

Dubbed as an Arsenal hero when he departed, fans are in relative shock that their former talisman will be playing at Stamford Bridge.

It was too much for some, who even decided to take down a tribute banner for the 27-year-old.

But having found it difficult to break into Barcelona’s first team during his time in Catalonia, have fans forgotten how good a player he can be?

Is it possible he can emulate the same form he had in his Gunner days, and finally lift the Premier League trophy that eluded him during his time at the Emirates?

Here are FIVE REASONS to be excited about Chelsea signing Cesc Fabregas.

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5. Fabregas is extremely versatile

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Normally a central midfielder, during his time at Barcelona Fabregas wasn’t able to break the trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets. But he had so much quality that it was impossible for Pep Guardiola to leave him out of the squad, which meant the Spaniard often times played out of position.

‘Cesc’ was deployed on the wings, as a false nine, and even as an out-and-out striker. Not only does it show his versatility, but it represents his commitment to the team that he is willing to play wherever requested by his manager. And there aren’t many managers tougher than Mourinho.

4. He has thrived in English football

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Fabregas’ youth may have been with Barcelona, but he matured as a footballer in the English Premier League. The Spanish La Liga has a different style of play, one that Fabregas never seemed completely able to adapt to.

But for several seasons Fabregas was the star of the Arsenal and for the league, the talisman that Gunners looked to when their team needed some inspiration.

Now however, it will be the Chelsea supporters that will hope Fabregas can conjure some magic.

3. Fabregas will create chances

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One of Fabregas’ best attributes is his eye for the killer pass. Ever since the 2006-2007 season, the Spaniard has provided double digits in assists every year.

Last year Chelsea seemed to lack bite if Eden Hazard wasn’t on top of his game. However in Fabregas you have a player that influences players around him to be better.

And if you create chances, then your team scores goals. Talking about goals...

2. Fabregas is a goal-scoring midfielder

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Fabregas scores goals. He creates them yes, but he also has the ability to finish them off. During his time at Barcelona he was often deployed as a false-nine or a striker, and the training he went through could have only made his finishing even better.

During his seven years playing regularly for Arsenal, Fabregas managed to score 56 goals. But in just three years with the Catalans, he has already put in 42. Jose Mourinho had a goal-scoring midfielder in Frank Lampard back in the day, and he could mould Fabregas to be just as good.

1. He has something to prove

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Although Fabregas grew up with the ‘Invincibles’ of Arsenal, ‘Cesc’ never managed to get his hand on the elusive Premier League trophy.

One of the reasons he departed the Emirates for Barcelona was his desire to win titles, which will be an incredible incentive with the result-oriented Mourinho.

Fabregas left as an Arsenal star, but he wants to return and become a Chelsea champion. His ability, passion, and determination... will make him extremely exciting to watch at Stamford Bridge.