Santi Cazorla is keen to join his friend and former colleague Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, but only once his playing days are over.
The 35 year-old is said to be keen on playing for two more years despite his current contract set to end this summer.
Cazorla left Arsenal back in the summer of 2018 after a number of long-term injuries hampered his playing time, and despite impressing when fit, no deal could be made to extend his stay. Most annoyingly he has since remained relatively fighting fit, and has even notched up a tally of 12 goals and seven assists this season alone.
William Balague, a so-called expert on La Liga football, claims that he has spoken to Santi about his future, and whilst he wants to continue playing for now, a move to Arsenal is in his mind.
“It’s interesting because I spoke to Santi not so long ago and he hasn’t renewed his contract with Villarreal which finishes at the end of the season,” Balague said.
“Basically what may happen, he wants two more years playing. Two more years.
“Going back to Arsenal with Arteta is something that I think he will consider as a coach.
“I asked him about it, he said yes, he will consider as a coach when he retires but he wants to play for two more years.
“I tell you what, Mikel Arteta and Cazorla together, really good friends first of all but really good special minds of football.”
It seems more than likely that Cazorla’s current club would be willing to offer him a contract extension given his performances this term, although a two-year deal for a 35 year-old may sound a tad excessive.
Should there be any issues over a new deal, his return to Arsenal may well be on the cards a little earlier, with the midfielder previously admitting that he would like to play for our club one more time.
Could Arteta and Cazorla combine heads at Arsenal? Would Cazorla still hold his own in the Premier League?
Patrick
Respected, experienced in playing terms, infectious personalty, loves the club having played for us, affinity with Mikel, loved by the fans and so much more – Santi brings plenty to the table.
Similar to Freddie scenario – but come on, this is SANTI !!!!
Best pertnership for arsenal
Bring him back this summer as player/coach
He can do well come back to Arsenal on free, then complete his two more playing years as player/coach under Arteta, if his love for Arsenal is that huge.
Welcome him with open arms he has Arsenal in his blood
100% agree.
The lift his returning to the club would be incredible and I believe the decision to let him leave was wrong in the first place
Not sure if he will have enough in his legs to satisfy those who demand 90 minutes of non stop running around like a blue assed fly but that wonderful footballing brain would more than make up for that.
My only concern would be how it might affect Freddie’s position, but MA would do the best possible thing I have no doubt whatsoever.
Bring him on home ASAP!!!
He is the cure for our midfield virus infection. Bring him in ASAP. We have lots of speed player without brains.
Balague is usually quite reliable, certainly more than many “ journalists” out there, so the following is at least an interesting read ;
“Guillem Balague told his YouTube channel he asked the 35-year-old about the possibility recently.
“Basically, what may happen, he wants two more years playing. Two more years,” Balague said. “Going back to Arsenal with Arteta is something that I think he will consider as a coach.
“I asked him about it, he said yes, he will consider as a coach when he retires but he wants to play for two more years. I tell you what, Mikel Arteta and Cazorla together, really good friends first of all but really good special minds of football.”
Sadly, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a couple of seasons to make this dream a reality. Maybe in 2022/23, we’ll see the two players back together“.
Arsenal has so far declined the opportunity to bring back Dennis Bergkamp, who has a great track record, not only as a player with Arsenal, but as a coach and mentor of young players at Ajax. Why would they bring back Santi Cazorla, who is untested as a coach?
Terrific point ozziegunner, but has DB actually said what it is being reported SC has said?
The last I heard after he left Ajax, was that wanted time away from the game.
Can you imagine these two either side of MA, drilling our players in the art of playing football?
Hell, we’d have a better managerial line up than we would current playing staff in 5 a side training sessions, if bouldy didn’t choke on his gum!!!!!
I seem to remember DB saying he would love to come back, but wanted to wait until his kids had finished school so they didn’t have to move.
And of course he wouldn’t fly back and forth every week!
Thanks Pat, I knew there was something about him needing a break.
Of course, if his children had finished their schooling, there wouldn’t be a reason not to move over here I guess.
As for flying, I don’t see that as a sticking point, after all, if he drills them as to his requirements, MA and SA would be there to ensure it happens – wishfull thinking re. Dennis, but Santi looks as if it might be a possibility…if MA wants it.