Santi Cazorla has been the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid, who recently received surplus funds for the transfer of their star striker Radamel Falcao, and now feel a bid of up to £17.5 million should be enough to convince Arsenal.
According to Daily Mail, Arsene Wenger was delighted at the impact Cazorla had on the Arsenal squad, and how quickly the squad adjusted to the Spaniard’s playing style. Next season promises to be better for the Londoners, who will have a fully fit Jack Wilshere in midfield. Wilshere has been troubled with injuries, and was to undergo a minor ankle surgery this summer, after the latter half of his season was disrupted with irregular appearances off the bench.
Cazorla’s quick feet and enthusiasm have been exciting for the Arsenal fans, and his persistence for perfection in passes have been a delight for neutrals. Experts had rated Cazorla’s attributes highly before he made the move to Arsenal, and now his performances in the Barclays Premier League have confirmed the same.
Even though Atletico have been wounded by the departure of their star striker Falcao, they have been rejuvenated by the multi-million pound transfer fee received by the club and have spent a relatively small amount of it (£7million reportedly) to buy former Gunners and Spurs target David Villa from Barcelona. The fee for Falcao, which was around the £50 million mark, had been rejected by the likes of Chelsea, but accepted by the newly wealthy AS Monaco, who will play in the top flight of France next season.
Cazorla began his career at the Villareal B side, where he played 40 matches, before being signed by the senior side. After 53 appearances, the Spaniard made a season long move to Recreativo, before returning to Villareal for a four-year long spell. He then made a switch to Malaga in 2011, and just after a season, accepted the opportunity of playing for Arsenal. The 28-year old has played exceptionally for the side, and with 38 appearances, he represented the club in the Premier League more than any other player in the squad.
Inevitably, Wenger will fight to keep Cazorla, but could he be tempted by a big fee offered by Atletico? I don’t see it Cazorla is a great fit in North London and Wenger would be a mug to sell him so I just do not see it happening.