Spain-based journalist Graham Hunter insists Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Malaga winger Santi Cazorla.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to The Emirates, with reports suggesting that the Gunners are preparing a £16 million move for the Spaniard.
And Hunter believes Arsene Wenger’s side are leading the chase for the former Villarreal man.
He recently told talkSPORT:
‘Arsenal have been in touch with Santi Cazorla’s representatives.
‘Cazorla is clear that he is in the prime of his life. He’s a double European Championship winner with Spain and Arsenal are currently, as we speak, pretty far down the line with both of them [the club and player].’
He added:
‘Malaga have debts, and I think the most important thing of all is the Spanish taxman. The Spanish government for the first time ever said we will pursue clubs who are in debt to us for tax, relentlessly, and therefore – for the moment – there’s a queue of clubs who want Santi Cazorla and Arsenal are definitely ahead of that queue.’
Sources suggest Cazorla would be keen on a move to Arsenal, but Wenger insists he is not close to signing the versatile forward.
After the club’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Malaysia XI, Wenger told reporters:
‘We are not close to signing Cazorla. We are still working that out.’
I wouldn’t mind if we signed Cazorla, but I don’t think he is really needed. We have a lot of options on the wing and I think Wenger should focus on trying to sign a creative, attacking midfielder. Yes, Cazorla can play in this position but, primarily, he is a wide-man.
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He is exactly what Arsenal need but I wonder what other clubs are interested. Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Man City cannot accomodate him without selling players. United might be interested but they’re not short of good wingers and Kagawa was presumably bought as their playmaker. I would think Barcelona have enough talent in that area too. It’s all specualtion but Arsenal might have a chance. It’s a shame to have to check that other clubs don’t want him but that’s the reality of a club that hasn’t won a trophy for 8 years and doesn’t have a rich benfactor to pay the wage bill. Arsenal do have plenty of wingers but in my opinion they’re not good enough so Cazorla would be an excellent addition.
“I wouldn’t mind if we signed Cazorla, but I don’t think he is really needed.”
U are a feckin iidot, mate. Lot of options, meh. who?
wrong, he isn’t primarily a wide-man