Arsenal transfer rumour: Santi Cazorla linked to Serie A giants Juventus
Arsenal player Santi Cazorla may move away from the club at the end of his contract and make a move to Italian Champions, Juventus.
The Arsenal midfielder has played in all of the seven Premier League games this season and has become a key player in Wenger’s midfield. His work rate and precision have been second to none in the middle of the pitch, and he has formed a dynamic combination with new recruit Granit Xhaka.
Also read: Arsenal transfer rumours: Gunners turn to James Rodriguez and Isco after having missed out on Riyad Mahrez
The two have played well as double pivots, and Arsenal’s recent success could partly be put down to their performances at the heart of midfield.
Cazorla has also been clinical from the penalty spot and the 31-year-old has scored two goals from the spot this season.
Juve want him on a free
Italian website Calcio Mercato Web claims Juventus have now approached the Spain international in an attempt to prevent him from re-signing. The report says Juve CEO Beppe Marotta is keen on the experienced midfielder and is looking to bring him in as a free transfer in June.
According to sources that are close to the player, Cazorla is keen on making the move to Juventus Stadium because of family-related reasons. Cazorla’s contract expires in June 2017 and is yet to sign a new deal with the Gunners.
Not going to sell Cazorla, says Arsene Wenger
At a press conference, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told reporters that the club is yet to make a decision and that Cazorla would be staying and the club wasn't willing to sell the Spanish midfielder.
“Regardless of what Juventus offer us, we are not going to sell Cazorla, as he is extremely important to the club and its ambitions for the future. As it stands, the only thing that I can say is that no decision has been made in relation to Cazorla's future at the club.”
Cazorla an asset to the club, says Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger went on to praise the Arsenal midfielder, saying that 'he is a tremendous asset to the club' and that he would 'love it if he decided to stay'. The Spaniard admitted last week he's happy in north London and would re-sign, but an offer is yet to materialise.
Also read: Arsenal yet to offer a contract extension to Santi Cazorla
Cazorla told Spanish radio station Cadena SER, “If they’ll offer me a new contract, I’ll sign it because I am very happy with this great club. I am happy here. I am trusted by the manager and my team-mates.”
The former Villarreal midfielder has spent four years at the Emirates, making 128 Premier League appearances and scoring 25 goals.
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