Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas will reportedly return to the English Premier League next season, either with Chelsea or Manchester United.

Fabregas, who has expressed intention to return to Arsenal next season, will not get his wish as the Gunners continue to show no interest in reacquiring him.

With his former team out of the picture, Mirror UK reported that Chelsea looks poised to acquire the 27-year-old midfielder from Barcelona.

According to reports, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has shifted his sights on Fabregas after getting strong competition for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, who is Mourinho's top target this summer.

"Cesc Fabregas could put his love affair with Arsenal on the line after Chelsea entered the race to sign him," Mirror UK reported. "Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke his No.1 target -- but faces major competition from Barcelona for his signature. That has prompted a move for Fabregas and the Stamford Bridge club now lead the chase."

The Blues reportedly want to strike a deal soon as they are looking to immediately fill in the gap left by Frank Lampard, who announced that he will leave the club once his contract expires this month.

However, Fabregas' move to Stamford Bridge is not yet set in stone since reports also indicated that Manchester United also submitted a strong bid for the Spain international.

Metro UK reported that Manchester United actually outbid Chelsea and offered 34 million euros compared to the Blues' 32 million euro offer. Chelsea could be forced to raise their offer if they want to acquire Fabregas.

Barcelona is expected to sell Fabregas to the highest bidder, considering the fact that they are looking to earn cash that they are planning to use for big transfer moves this summer.

Moving Fabregas might be an unpopular move for Barcelona fans, but new coach Luis Enrique recently said that his upcoming decisions will not be influenced by fans or any people in the organization.

"We are going to do it my way, no doubt about that, because otherwise the club would have employed a different coach. I am not going to do what everyone else might tell me," Enrique said via Goal.com.

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