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LONDON DROP A BOMBSHELL: Arsenal identify Cesc Fabregas as genuine Arteta ‘contingency’ as Chelsea clarification emerges

Cesc Fàbregas is rapidly emerging as one of the most sought-after young coaches in world football. Several Premier League giants, including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, are closely monitoring his impressive progress at Como.

The former Spain international has transformed the Italian side since taking charge in 2023 during their Serie B days. Como are on track for their most successful season since 1949/50, currently sitting 5th in Serie A and firmly in the hunt for a historic first-ever Champions League qualification.

While no immediate managerial vacancies exist among England’s elite clubs, that has not deterred top sides from conducting detailed due diligence on potential future candidates. Fabregas’ camp is fully aware that his stock is rising sharply, with his work at Como earning widespread recognition across Europe’s biggest clubs.

At Manchester City, sporting director Hugo Viana has been actively assessing long-term successors to Pep Guardiola. Enzo Maresca and Vincent Kompany lead the internal discussions, but sources indicate Fabregas has also been talked about and remains firmly on their radar.

However, it is two of his former clubs who have now triggered a London bombshell.

Arsenal identify Cesc Fabregas as genuine contingency for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal remain fully supportive of Mikel Arteta as they push for Premier League glory this season. The Spaniard has just over 12 months left on his current contract, with talks expected this summer.

Yet, as is standard practice at elite clubs, contingency planning continues behind the scenes. Should Arsenal fall short of major silverware again, questions could arise about the long-term direction. TEAMtalk can confirm that Fabregas is among the names being tracked as part of that process.

The Gunners legend’s tactical acumen, deep understanding of Arsenal’s DNA from his playing days, and rapid managerial development make him a natural fit in any succession conversation. His work at Como has shown he can build a competitive, progressive team capable of challenging at the highest level.

Chelsea clarification emerges on Fabregas interest

Chelsea are also understood to be impressed with Fabregas’s rapid rise in management and have included him on the profiles they are monitoring.

The club insist they have no intention of parting company with Liam Rosenior at this stage. Nevertheless, they continue to maintain a shortlist of potential future options — a forward-thinking strategy previously employed under Enzo Maresca.

Fabregas spent successful years at Stamford Bridge as a player, and his growing reputation as a coach has clearly caught the eye of the Blues hierarchy.

Despite the interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea, Fabregas remains fully committed to his project at Como. The 38-year-old has overseen remarkable progress with the Lombardy club and has no plans to leave at this point as he continues to build his managerial credentials.

Sources close to the coach stress that his focus is squarely on delivering more success in Italy this season. That said, his soaring reputation means the interest from Premier League powerhouses is only expected to intensify. Clubs are already quietly positioning themselves should an opportunity arise in the future.

With Arsenal chasing the title and Chelsea seeking stability under Rosenior, the emergence of Fabregas as a serious contingency name adds an intriguing layer to the managerial landscape in London.

For now, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder continues to impress in Serie A, proving that his football intelligence translates seamlessly from pitch to dugout. Whether he returns to the Premier League — and to one of his old clubs — remains one of the most compelling stories to watch in the coming months.