As I am writing this, Arsenal.com have just confirmed what many of us have been expecting to hear for days: pending a medical and the completion of a few minor details, Cesc Fabregas’ time as an Arsenal player has come to an end.

Arsenal.com were not forthcoming with the details of the deal, but Arsene Wenger did release this statement:

“We have been clear that we didn’t want Cesc to leave and that remains the case. However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.”

The possibility of Cesc leaving is a reality that most Gooners have been living with for years. Now that it has finally come to pass, to me, it is a huge weight that has been lifted. No longer will Arsenal be in this uncomfortable situation with this player who doesn’t want to be there, but who they can ill-afford to be without.

Unfortunately, Cesc’s departure will leave Gooners with more questions than answers. So here is my call to Arsene Wenger.

Don’t let the sale of Cesc Fabregas be the downfall of this season, or for that matter, your legacy. Show everyone associated with Arsenal, from players down to fans, that losing our captain isn’t the tragic loss that it feels like. Show us there is indeed life after Cesc. And before anyone says it, you can spare me the “no one is bigger than the club” rubbish.

Wenger, reinvest this money. Do so quickly, but not foolishly … Fans need to keep in mind that it will now be more difficult than ever to secure a top quality player for a reasonable price.

No one wants to give up their stars once the season has started, and now teams KNOW that Arsenal has the cash to spend, so they will be hungry to get their hands on our newly bolstered cash reserves. Be prepared for Arsene to wait until January or later to make a high profile move.

Cesc, you have given me wonderful memories as a Gunner, and I will always be thankful for your years of sterling service. Your solo goal against Tottenham will forever be my favorite moment, but there were so many great ones. Here’s hoping you have made Xavi second-choice by November, lets see how excited he is to have you around then!

I wish you nothing but the best of success, except of course, when you line up against the Arsenal. No one man is bigger than the club, after all.

Elsewhere, new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has admitted there is an urgency to bolster their midfield, and hinted perhaps that Samir Nasri was a potential candidate. Perhaps more interesting was his revelations regarding aging striker Didier Drogba. The Portuguese manager revealed that striker and the club were at somewhat of an impasse regarding a new contract.

“Didier knows about our offers and he has made a counter-offer,” revealed the Chelsea boss. “We are evaluating some things.”

“I explained to you the sense of urgency in midfield,” said Villas-Boas, relating to previous comments about Chelsea’s lack of midfielders. “But it doesn’t mean that it’s Luka [Modric]. Not that I’m interested, but you have [Samir] Nasri terminating contract. He’s one of the most exciting players in the Premier League and that’s the reality, as well as Luka, as well as other players.”

Honestly, I find it far more interesting that Drogba is having trouble with his contract. Aging though he might be, I think he would be a great steal for a year or two. Here would be a striker who would add a ton of steel to the Arsenal attack, who clearly likes nothing more than to score goals.

Anyway, that’s a daydream for a different day, no?