Arsenal was Cesc Fabregas' first choice - Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger claims Cesc Fabregas' first choice was to return to Arsenal rather than join Chelsea but refused to dwell upon the matter ahead of the two sides' Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The former Gunners captain joined Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea from Barcelona in June but, asked whether he believed Fabregas' first choice would have been to rejoin Arsenal, Wenger said: "Certainly, yes." He then attempts to play down his comments by suggesting the deal with Chelsea was done in early 2014.

Arsenal were beaten 6-0 by Chelsea at the Bridge last season in Arsene Wenger's 1000th game in charge, a defeat the Gunners boss describes as "a horrendous day".