Lionel Messi offers an invitation that is worth every penny!

Arsene Wenger warns Barcelona off Cesc Fabregas - ESPN Soccernet

The hint has been around all season, but with Lionel Messi's recent public statement that he expects Fabrecas to join Barcelona, the skillful craft of luring Arsenal's talisman to Nou Camp has moved into its final gear. Who won't want to be wanted by Barcelona FC, the best team currently in club football, playing an exhilarating brand of football that aptly fits the dynamics and intuition of Fabrecas.

It is fair to suggest that Arsenal should start searching for a replacement, a difficult venture for even the endowed scout. Granted that the petite Spaniard spent some time with the Catalans as a youth player, an earlier comment credited to the indomitable Xavi, that Fabrecas has Barca DNA in his blood, was the start of a process that has more or less gotten to the final stages. This unfolding saga also highlights the increasing resort to indirect means in courting soccer players, as the rules against pouching has tighten.

Can Wenger and the board Czars fend off this priceless invitation from the best player on the planet? My guess is a bold NO. Fabrecas' performance this season has been iconic and filled with more than a handful of determined display. While this can signify a drive to do well for his beloved team, it can easily indicate a farewell performance on a stage that has hoisted his skills for the world to see. It may be time up at the Emirates and time to check out.

The prospect of a Cesc plying his trade in Barca's midfield is appetizing for the fans of the beautiful game. If it does happen, we are in for a fascinating adventure into a new frontier in attacking football. The world is surely watching.