Chelsea has capture the signature of Fabregas

Fabregas with  new club jersey

Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.

The Spaniard, 27, spent three years at Barca and joins the Blues after Arsenal turned down a first option to buy him.

Fabregas, on World Cup duty with Spain, said Chelsea matched his football ambitions, adding he had "unfinished business" in the Premier League.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice," he said.

The arrival of Fabregas at Chelsea comes 10 days after England midfielder Frank Lampard announced he would end his 13 year old stay

 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also keen to finalise the transfer of Fabregas's Spanish team-mate Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid.

"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," the Spaniard added.

Fabregas, who scored 50 times in 305 games for Arsenal during his previous spell in England, will join Ramires, Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel as midfield options for Mourinho.

He scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Barcelona, but it failed to earn him a regular role at the Nou Camp, with the trio of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets viewed as the club's main midfield combination.

Fabregas, Arsenal's youngest ever player at just 16 years and 177 days, was expected to be the subject of a bid from his former club, who had a first option to buy him.

"Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me," added Fabregas, who said it was "extremely important" the move was completed before the World Cup finals.

"They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future."

Source:BBC