Chelsea have announced that Cesc Fabregas has signed a five-year deal to join the Premier League side from Catalan giants Barcelona.

The Spain international, who is currently in Brazil with his national teammates for the World Cup, was expected to be sold by Barcelona this summer, which sparked the interest of numerous Premier League clubs.

The 27-year-old, who has insisted that he has "unfinished business" in England, has revealed that Arsenal had first option on his services after selling him to Barcelona back in 2011.

However, the Gunners opted against trying to re-sign their former captain, while Manchester United are said to have recently ended their pursuit of the player due to his wage demands.

Fabregas wrote on his Facebook page: "Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.

"I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time to return. Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future.

"I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing."

The midfielder, who is believed to have cost Chelsea around £27m, will wear the number four shirt at Stamford Bridge next season.