Transfer News: FC Barcelona Defender Gerrard Pique To Join Chelsea Over Man Utd And Arsenal

FC Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique will reportedly join Chelsea over domestic rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

It is suggested that former Barca teammate and national team colleague Cesc Fabregas will play a significant part in the decision making of the £31million-rated La Masia graduate because of their known bond.

The 27-year-old blasted the club officials at the Nou Camp in the past for unfairly treating Fabregas, which eventually led to the former Gunners skipper's Stamford Bridge move.

"I really like Cesc and I know he is going through a tough time because the club don't appreciate him as much as they should," he told Sky Sports about five months ago.

"He is one of those players who would be first-choice at any other club in the world, the star of the team.

"Despite that, he is finding it harder at Barca. I don't know what he is going to do; we haven't spoken about that."

"I hope he stays because if you look at his stats this season, he is our highest-scoring midfielder and the one with the most assists. Of course I want him to stay with us."

Despite establishing himself as first-choice at the heart of defence in recent years, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has explicitly indicated that Pique's role as a starter isn't guaranteed under his watch.

True to his word, Carles Puyol's partner in crime has been either benched or left out of the squad in some key La Liga and Champions League fixtures.

The west London outfit is looking for a legitimate successor to their ageing captain John Terry, while Louis van Gaal just wants to quickly fix his side's deficiency at the back, just as he did with his midfield and attacking-third.

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