Rumour: Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla keen on Atletico Madrid transfer

Santi Cazorla: Looking for a way out of the Emirates?

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is reported to be keen on a return to Spain this summer, with Atletico Madrid interested in the diminutive playmaker. Reports earlier this week suggested that La Liga champions Atletico were readying an £18 million bid for Cazorla and The Express quote Spanish newspaper AS as reporting that the 29-year-old attacking midfielder would be receptive to a move.

Spain international Cazorla, who is currently in Brazil with his national side for Spain’s World Cup campaign, made 31 league appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring four goals.

He created 66 chances, the second highest at Arsenal, of which eight were assists. Second only to Mesut Ozil in chance creation, Cazorla excelled in spite of being forced into an unfavoured left-hand side role.

The signing of Ozil has seen Cazorla’s favoured central attacking midfield slot taken, but losing the Spaniard would still be a blow for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who recently passed up the chance to re-sign former captain Cesc Fabregas due to the strength of his midfield options.

Snubbing Fabregas may appear short-sighted should Cazorla leave, with AS reporting that he would happily join Atletico.

A fee of around £18 million would be required, while Cazorla has two years remaining on his Arsenal contract.