Arsenal eyeing shock swoop for Chelsea star

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to re-sign former favourite Cesc Fabregas from Stamford Bridge in the New Year. The Spain international has been largely a bit-part player under Antonio Conte.

Fabregas, 29, has endured one of the toughest phases of his career this season with Conte reluctant to play him ahead of Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante at the centre of the park.

According to The Express, the Gunners are lining up a potential offer for their former skipper as they look to cover the void left by fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla.

The North London giants have produced a mixed bag since Cazorla's Achilles problem in mid-October, and this has urged them to move in for Fabregas, who is known for finding the acute pass from long-range.

Fabregas has become more of a villain for the Gunners' faithful since his switch to Chelsea in the summer of 2014.