I hope that I am wrong about this little bit of Arsenal transfer news and that there is a perfectly good reason why Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board have not yet tied down our little Spanish magician Santi Cazorla to a new contract.
We have heard over and over again in recent years, however, that the club did not want to get into those previous situations in which our best players are allowed to enter the final year of their contracts as it seriously cuts down the strength of our bargaining position and makes it more likely we will lose them to another club.
According to a Metro report this week, though, that is exactly what has happened with Cazorla, as he is yet to even be offered an extension to his current deal which is due to run out at the end of this season. Now I know that he is not getting any younger, but at 31-years old the talented midfield star appears to be as good as ever and surely has a few years left at the peak of his powers.
Even with good options avaialbe to him the Arsenal boss seems to favour Cazorla in the starting line up and the Spaniard is responding with some great games,. so he must be wondering, as I am, what is the reason behind the lack of any contact over his future.
Santi told the Spanish media, ‘No, I don’t have any news from the club regarding a new contract.
‘My focus now is on playing and to be able to enjoy playing football following a season when I had lots of injury problems.
‘I hope I can stay here and continue to play. I am happy here. What a player wants is to play and to feel important.
‘Fortunately, since I arrived at Arsenal, I’ve had the confidence of the coach and of my teammates. I’ve played a lot of minutes. In the end, that is what every player wants.’
I get the feeling he would like to have his future beyond this season sorted out as well. Does the fact it isn’t suggest that Wenger’s next transfer plans for Arsenal involve a replacement for Cazorla? Or is he waiting to see what happens with Ramsey, Xhaka and all before deciding whether to offer him a new deal?
Bob.