Cesc is off - for real this time

The long-winded will he-won't he saga of Cesc Fàbregas ends tomorrow, after Arsenal and FC Barcelona have confirmed that a deal is in place. The formalities of a medical and his personal deal won't stop a transfer everyone has been waiting for - whether Arsenal wanted to sell or not.

Last year, in the first Silly Season of this blog, the rumours were so numerous I decided not to record them. As I predicted throughout the summer, the transfer didn't take place.

This year, Arsenal's stance have been different. While submitting strong denials in 2010, they have been less fervent after last season. I believe manager Arsène Wenger when he says that Cesc has been torn between two clubs that he loves, and that Arsenal didn't want him to leave. But at the same time, it's the club's position that keeping a player who wants away is futile. At least, as long as a good enough offer comes in.

That has been the last hurdle for the Catalans to pass. FC Barcelona, hailed as the best club in world football, have scraped the barrel and sold until they bled. The offer was only big enough, reportedly, when Cesc himself waived £4m-£5m he was due, ironically, for being sold without submitting a transfer request of his own.

The way FC Barcelona have gone about this business, this year and last, leaves a rotten taste not only in Gooners' mouths. To outlaw the tapping-up of players is fruitless when the international football authorities cannot act even in a case like this.

But I have to admit that Fàbregas himself has behaved with dignity throughout. By not speaking out, despite several attempts by the media, he hasn't alienated the fans. Gooners know of his love for his boyhood club. It stands to be believed that he takes a pay cut to move there. I expect him to state his continued love for Arsenal during the next stage of his career, like others who have moved before him.

There are some, however, who want to move for money - under a veil of sporting ambition. This is not the night for any thought of them. This is only: goodbye Cesc, and thanks for eight years of excellent service!