There are many very worrying reports that the 30 year-old Arsenal star Santi Cazorla is keen to move back to Spain with Atletico Madrid this summer. Arsene Wenger has totally denied that could happen, but with just one year remaining on his contract Arsenal may just cash in if he refuses an extension.
But the point of this article is ‘who could replace him’ if he goes? One Arsenal rumour going around is saying that the Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino is the frontrunner, after the Gunners sent scouts to Germany to make enquiries. It has now being reported that the Brazilian will cost the Gunners at least £21.94 million to persuade Hoffenheim to sell. The 23 year-old has been very impressive for the German minnows and is said to be in-demand across Europe.
Another rumour being touted is that Arsenal will make a £70million move for Paul Pogba, but I wouldn’t believe that in a month of Sundays and would be gobsmacked if it actually happened!
Of course we already have lots of classy midfielders in the squad, and the up-and-coming Krystian Bielik has now made his debut for the U18s and could be a possibility.
There is also Serge Gnabry, who has just returned from a long term injury and could return to the squad after playing 10 games for the Gunners last season, and is very highly respected as an all-rounder. Or perhaps even Ryo Miyaichi could come back from Holland as an improved midfielder. Or even Joel Campbell? Or maybe Jon Toral after his exploits this week?
Who would be your choice?