Cesc Fabregas decides on surprise new job as mega-money Saudi deal agreed
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is now regarded as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches and he is now in the sights of Inter Milan in their hunt for a new boss
Cesc Fabregas is wanted by Inter Milan to replace former boss Simone Inzaghi, after he agreed a lucrative proposal to become Al-Hilal 's new manager. But the ex- Arsenal man insists he has no intention of leaving Como.
Inzaghi, 49, was being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the build-up to last weekend's Champions League final and left his role with Inter just three days after they were thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
The Italian penned an open letter to fans after the decision was announced, saying: "The time has come for me to say goodbye to this club after a four-year journey, during which I gave everything.
"I want to dedicate one last word to the millions of Nerazzurri fans who cheered me on, cried and suffered in difficult moments and laughed and celebrated in the six triumphs we experienced together. I will never forget you."
Inzaghi has agreed terms with Al-Hilal to head to the Saudi Pro League - and Inter want Fabregas to replace him at the San Siro.
Fabregas, 38, is currently the head coach of Inter's Serie A rivals, Como, and was recently the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen in their search for a successor to Xabi Alonso. Fabregas decided to stay put, however, Sky Sport Italia claimed on Wednesday that Fabregas is 'tempted' by the idea of taking over at Inter and was set to hold further talks with the Champions League finalists.
The Spaniard however declared on Wednesday afternoon: "I really believe in Como's long-term project, I arrived here as a player and I'm very, very happy because I can work here the way I want."
A deal to lure Fabregas away is also complicated by the fact he is also a shareholder in the club where he ended his playing career.
Fabregas has garnered a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting young coaches during his time at the helm, where he has navigated Como to the safe haven of mid-table following promotion from Serie B.
"Our path is long, it will last for several seasons and it revolves around Cesc Fabregas, who will not leave the club," Como president Mirwan Suwarso said, speaking alongside Fabregas on stage at the South By Southwest conference in London.
Former Inter youth team coach, Cristian Chivu, is another contender to replace Inzaghi and will now come into the club's thinking. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup with Inter - and Al-Hilal - both set to compete in the 32-team tournament which will take place in the United States.
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