LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets over not re-signing Cesc Fabregas despite the Spanish midfielder's dazzling performance for Chelsea at Burnley.
The former Arsenal midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona in the summer and caught the eye in helping Jose Mourinho's side win 3-1 at Turf Moor.
But Wenger insists he does not regret the decision not to bring Fabregas back to Arsenal.
He said: “I have no regrets that Fabregas (joined Chelsea). My only regret is that he left us in the first place.
“It was strange to see Cesc in a Chelsea shirt. We have to accept that players move. It was difficult for me to see him leave but we accept he moved.”
Fabregas spent eight years at Arsenal before leaving to return home and rejoin Barcelona in 2011.
After a three-year stint at the Nou Camp, the Spanish midfielder returned to London this summer, but to Arsenal’s rivals Chelsea in a £30 million deal.
Wenger hasn’t ruled out further activity in the transfer window, though, to add to the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina.
The Arsenal manager said: “We are not in an emergency case but we are open to any opportunity to strengthen our defensive department.”
Arsenal travel to Everton tomorrow in the Barclays Premier League after beginning their season with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
The Gunners will be without the injured Mikel Arteta, who picked up a knock against Besiktas, while German trio Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil could miss the game as they work their way back to match fitness after the World Cup.
Arsenal visited Everton in April and Wenger's side were brushed aside 3-0.
Wenger knows the size of the challenge his team face at Goodison Park this weekend, and he is confident that young defender Calum Chambers can continue his good form after impressing in Istanbul.
But the Arsenal manager also warned against rushing his development as a footballer, and thinks it may be a bit too soon for an England call up.
He said : “It is a big test for Chambers but it was also a test against Demba Ba.
“In England you have to be a bit more patient. It's important for his development that he doesn’t go too fast.
“I don’t want to stop Chambers playing for England, but what I mean is when players feel like they have already made it that is more dangerous.” Daily Mail