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Since making the controversial move to Chelsea in summer 2014, Cesc Fabregas has been of indubitable significance to the Blues. He was instrumental in winning the Premier League and League Cup during his inaugural season at the club, contributing towards 22 league goals – scoring three and providing a hugely impressive tally of 19 assists.

Initially, he was unfavoured by Antonio Conte, but he shone through perseverance, contributing towards 17 league goals – scoring five and providing 12 assists, as he won a second Premier League title. Last season, he started in both the semi-final and final of the FA Cup, to win his fourth major honour during his spell with the Blues.

However, during his fifth season with the club, it seems that the Spaniard has been definitively cast as an understudy to Jorginho, and as the months roll on during the final year of his Chelsea contract, speculation begins to simmer regarding potential destinations. Given the club’s policy with regards to players over 30, the Spaniard would only be entitled to a one-year extension.

Cesc Fabregas celebrating FA Cup win for Chelsea

Certainly, Fabregas’ status as a gifted footballer remains firmly intact, and the 31-year-old has impressed while playing in the Europa League and the EFL Cup this season, contributing towards three goals – one goal and two assists – in eight appearances across both competitions. Yet, as one of Chelsea’s highest earners, and as he approaches the latter stages of his career, it would be sensible from the club’s perspective to part way with Fabregas.

This isn’t to insinuate that the Premier League icon couldn’t continue to impact at Chelsea, but his status in Sarri’s squad seems somewhat rigid, and it would be nigh-on impossible for him to dismantle Jorginho – the manager's most adored midfielder.

Statistically, Fabregas’ involvement has decreased year-on-year since joining the club. In his first season, the Spaniard contributed towards 29 goals (five goals, 24 assists) in all competitions, that figure decreased to 15 goal contributions in the 2015-16 season (six goals, nine assists). He achieved an increased 20 goal contributions in the 2016-17 campaign (seven goals, 13 assists), yet that figure decreased to 12 last season (three goals, nine assists), and he’s only achieved three goal contributions so far this season.

Jorginho - Chelsea vs Arsenal

There’s no doubting that the Spaniard’s goal contributions would increase with more significant and consistent involvement, but the likelihood of Fabregas attaining increased involvement is lessened by the number of midfielders that Chelsea currently possess. Sarri has previously disclosed his insistence on playing one defensively minded midfielder in league games (N'Golo Kante) while Jorginho is the central cog , leaving Fabregas to contend with Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the final place in midfield.

Given that Fabregas isn’t as speedy or mobile as he was in yesteryear, the veteran is resigned to one position in Sarri’s set-up that is occupied by Jorginho. With this in mind, it’s challenging to see where Fabregas has a long-term future at Chelsea.

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During his infrequent appearances this season, Fabregas has illustrated his quality, and many continue to regard him as one of the best passers in the Premier League. Furthermore, his experience and know-how would be of immeasurable benefit to many Chelsea youngsters seeking to establish themselves in the first-team.

Yet, the sheer extent of competition at Chelsea, and their approach to players over the age of 30 severely limits the likelihood of Fabregas staying at the club beyond the season.  From a financial perspective, it would be an entirely justifiable decision for Chelsea to part company.