Como are confident of keeping Cesc Fabregas amid interest in their head coach from other clubs including Inter.
Fabregas, in his first full season in management, established Como in the Serie A mid-table in what was the club’s first top-flight campaign since 2003. Como finished the season 10th.
The former Spain international’s impact has attracted the attention of Inter, who contacted Como in relation to their now-vacant head coach position. Simone Inzaghi left the Champions League finalists on Tuesday and is expected to accept a lucrative offer to take over at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
Como do not want to lose Fabregas, with the situation further complicated by his own personal investment in the Lombardy club.
Como are owned by the Djarum Group of Indonesia and are estimated to be the wealthiest club in Italy, with Fabregas, as well as his former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry, minority stakeholders. A move within Italy is therefore seen as extremely difficult.
“Obviously, there is an emotional aspect, I cannot deny that,” Fabregas said on his future after the win over Cagliari last month, via Tuttomercato. “Whatever happens, I will always be grateful to this club, proud of what is being built around Como. This energy at the Stadio Sinigaglia is different to when I arrived as a player.
“I want to leave here leaving an inheritance, as the important thing is that whoever follows me will find a great club with lads who have a spectacular work ethic. I want to leave this to Como, then obviously I am very fond of everyone, very involved in their future too. When the moment comes, I will say something.”
Fabregas initially became interim head coach at Como in November 2023 after they sacked Moreno Longo, having previously been an assistant after retiring as a player that summer. Former Crystal Palace assistant Osian Roberts took over interim duties in December 2023, with Fabregas reverting to his previous position. Como were promoted at the end of the season, with Fabregas then appointed as head coach on a four-year deal and Roberts taking on the role of head of development.
Following promotion, Como recruited Fabregas’ former Spain team-mate Pepe Reina, as well as Sergi Roberto from Barcelona, Raphael Varane from Manchester United and Nico Paz from Real Madrid, though Varane later retired after making only one appearance.
A former midfielder, Fabregas enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning league titles with Barcelona and Chelsea as well as being a key figure in World Cup and European Championship-winning (twice) teams with Spain.
(Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
