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Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets after passing up the opportunity to re-sign Cesc Fabregas during the summer.
The 27-year-old joined title rivals Chelsea from Barcelona for £27million and has helped propel Jose Mourinho's side to the top of the Premier League, providing seven assists in seven league matches.
After departing Spain, Fabregas revealed the Gunners had the first option to sign him, but decided not to exercise that right and the midfielder later suggested 'it wasn't meant to be'.
But Wenger, who on Sunday apologised to Mourinho for their touchline spat at Stamford Bridge last week, is not kicking himself after watching his former captain help another Premier League side assume a commanding lead at the top of the pile.
Five questions for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger during the international break
The Frenchman expects Mourinho's side to suffer a dip in form and maintains that he has enough creative options in midfield to close the gap to the league summit.
"I don't regret not taking Cesc because we already had a lot of creative players in our midfield," Wenger told beIN Sports.
"Chelsea will also have a difficult period [in the season]. Our schedule was extremely difficult and I have the belief that we can close the gap to them."
Arsenal host Hull on Saturday as the Premier League returns following the international break.
