I am sure that every Arsenal fan has heard the awful news about Santi Cazorla, confirming once again that the Gunners have either the worst luck in the world or an underlying problem on the injury front. With the Spaniard having to go under the knife to sort out what first seemed to be a minor ankle problem we are going to be without him for around three months and knowing our luck that could turn out to be much longer.
So it was hardly surprising to hear the football press ask Arsene Wenger what he was going to do and whether the upcoming winter transfer window would see him try to sign a replacement for the super Spaniard. That does not appear to be on the cards, though, as Talksport reports that Wenger feels he has enough options in the squad to cover Cazorla.
He said, “No not really no. In midfield we have options.
“In January you will not necessarily find a Cazorla even if you wanted to.”
I agree that it would be difficult but it sounds like Wenger is not even going to try and with the Spaniard nearing the end of his current contract with the boss unsure whether he will take up the option of another year that seems a bit odd, as Wenger also spoke in an Arsenal.com report about how different Santi is to the others like Ramsey and Xhaka.
He said, “When I play Santi most of the time I have Coquelin because he is a really defensive breaker of attacks. He gives Santi more freedom. He is a more offensive player first although he is disciplined tactically. He is not a ball winner but a more creative player.
“We are close with the balance as Xhaka in midfield is moving upwards. He has a different influence to Santi. Santi is more of a guy who gets out of very tight situations with a very short technique, right and left foot, while Xhaka has a pass and is not a dribbler. He passes through the lines.”
Arsenal do have another player like that but it is Jack Wilshere who is currently on loan with Bournemouth. Do you think that Wilshere’s ever improving form and fitness is the reason Wenger is not looking to the transfer market? Could he be thinking of cutting the loan deal short in January? Or is perhaps just the idea of having him back next season be enough to stop Wenger looking to replace Cazorla?
Bob.