NAB ME FABREGAS - CITY'S £50M BID FOR ARSENAL STAR
Gunners captain heads 1-2-3 hitlist
By Neil Ashton, 10/04/2010
MANCHESTER CITY are preparing to break the British transfer record with a sensational bid for Cesc Fabregas.
City's move for the Arsenal midfielder was authorised by owner Sheikh Mansour during a meeting with key personnel this week.
Although their swoop for Fabregas is dependent on a top-four finish, they plan to start the bidding at £50m in an attempt to see off Barcelona.
City now have a "1-2-3 wishlist" of world class targets that is topped by Fabregas, followed by Ferdnando Torres and Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Although Fabregas has made it clear he wants to return to Barca if he quits Arsenal, City have been undeterred after taking initial soundings.
The Arsenal skipper has made it clear his next move is not about money and that he wants to win league titles and compete for the Champions League.
City intend to make "three or four impact signings" in the summer as they aim for a crack at the title next season.
They are convinced that if they can finish fourth they will be able to attract the calibre of player that can win the Premier League title.
Fabregas is the personal choice of Mansour, who wants to add creativity to City's midfield, but other signings are on the way.
City are close to agreeing a deal with Hamburg for right back Jerome Boateng and he will sign in the summer.
They are also chasing Inter striker Mario Balotelli as they prepare to strengthen their squad for a crack at the title.
City's move for Fabregas is the most audacious of the lot, but the top brass are well aware just how difficult it will be to prise him away from Arsenal.
Although City did business with the Gunners last season for Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, their move for Fabregas is on a different level.
Barcelona have made it clear they intend to pursue Fabregas this summer and he was spotted mixing with dignitaries at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night in VIP lounges.
City are convinced that they will compete for the Premier League title next season, but their recruitment policy and the move for Fabregas depends on finishing fourth this term.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reiterated the target during a meeting with City chief Roberto Mancini this week.
They have discussed a number of other transfer targets, but face big competition from Real Madrid for Benfica duo Angel di Maria and Brazilian defender David Luiz.
City's long-term strategy is to follow Barcelona's model and sign young players capable of forcing their way into the first team.
Luiz, who has made his name at centre half this season, is among the options being considered as City gear up for their summer spending.
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