Cesc Fabregas Confirms Chelsea Switch After Arsenal Rejected First Option Clause

Chelsea have completed the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, the Spanish giants have confirmed.

The former Arsenal skipper has reportedly signed a five year contract with the Blues in a deal worth £27m and will wear the no. four shirt upon his return to the Premier League.

Fabregas took to his Facebook account to explain his move was driven by 'unfinished business in the Premier League' before revealing Arsenal turned down the opportunity to bring him back to north London.

"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed 3 wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team," the midfielder wrote.

"I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for me to return. Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing.

"It was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy."

Fabregas left Arsenal in 2011 after eight years and 212 appearances to return to boyhood club Barcelona. But following the club's dismal season where they finished without a trophy, new manager Luis Enrique has decided to cash in on the 27-year-old.

After making two bids for the midfielder last summer Manchester United were thought to be in the race for the midfielder once he was made available. However Louis van Gaal is understood to have informed the club that he wishes to pursue other targets.

A statement from Barcelona read: "FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Cesc Fàbregas to the English club. FC Barcelona wishes to publicly thank Cesc Fàbregas for his professionalism and dedication during his years at the Club, which will always be his home, and to wish him all the very best for the future."