Arsenal are entering a new era and, having already waved goodbye to Arsene Wenger and Per Mertesacker, look set to see another experienced figure move away from the Emirates Stadium.
The Evening Standard states Spain international Santi Cazorla will leave the Gunners upon the end of his contract in just a few weeks time and will rejoin his former employers Villarreal, returning to his homeland.
Cazorla has established himself as a favourite in north London but has endured a wealth of injury issues in recent years, remaining on the sidelines since October 2016 and facing a number of setbacks – including one that put him at risk of seeing his right foot amputated.
The 33-year-old sees his contract with the Gunners expire this summer and is keen to continue his playing career, reportedly turning down an opportunity to join Arsenal’s coaching team.
Joining in 2012, Cazorla returned to first-team training in the final weeks of the campaign but was unable to feature for the Gunners again, which means fans are unlikely to see him represent the club a final time.
