One ‘Fab’ Signs, Other Pledges Loyalty

Today’s update concerns the tale of two Fabs, with both Lukasz Fabianski and Cesc Fabregas in the news for Arsenal this Friday. While one has agreed to a long-term contract at the club, the other has recently reaffirmed his commitment and loyalty to Arsenal amidst rumors he may head back to his native Spain in the near future.

With June now upon us the silly season of high-priced transfers has taken hold, with Real Madrid defying the current state of the global economy by first shelling out £59 million to AC Milan for Kaka and then offering £80 million to Manchester United for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Breaking the world transfer fee record twice in this week, Madrid seem certain to snatch some other big names away from clubs throughout Europe, and have also now put pressure on Spanish rivals Barcelona to lure more star players to Camp Nou.

Arsenal’s Fabregas has been and will be a target for both, but the Gunners captain has told Arsenal TV Online just days ago that he is committed to staying at the North London club.

“Of course I see my future at Arsenal. I have a long contract with the club,” stated Fabregas in an interview on the club’s official site. “I would have never signed that if I did not think I was capable of making it (to the end of the deal, which runs until 2014). The boss knows that I really want to stay here.”

Made team captain by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger this past season, Fabregas added that “you cannot stop what people say about you. The press can write or say whatever they want. Since I was 18, they have been saying ‘he is seeking a transfer,’ but I am still here.

“I hope I can be at Arsenal for many years and lift trophies like the Champions League, the Premier League, FA Cups,” continued the 22-year-old Spaniard. “I am really looking forward to it because I am sure the future is bright here.”

Another player that will remain part of Arsenal’s future is Lukasz Fabianksi, as the club has officially reported that he has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal in 2007 from Legia Warsaw, and has since moved up to second-choice keeper at the Emirates. As stated in an article on arsenal.com, Fabianski “has quickly established himself as an able deputy to Arsenal’s first choice keeper Manuel Almunia, making 18 first team appearances in the 2008/09 season across all competitions with nine clean sheets to his name.”

Recent years have also seen Fabianski become more prominent for his national team after being a regular his country’s U-21 squad. He was included in the Poland squad for the 2006 World Cup before appearing in goal at Euro 2008 and more recently in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

The official release included a statement from manager Wenger, who rates Fabianski highly and is “very pleased that Lukasz has committed his future to the club. I believe he is a top competitor, he’s intelligent and reads the game very well and has all the ingredients to be successful in his position.”

On signing his new deal with Arsenal, Fabianski said: “I’m very happy to sign my new contract with Arsenal, it’s a big motivation for me to keep working hard and shows that the club believes in me. I’ll be doing everything I can to repay that belief by helping Arsenal to win trophies in the coming years.”