Arsenal legend snubs chance to return to club despite talks with Mikel Arteta
Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is reportedly unlikely to return to his former club, managed by Mikel Arteta. Cazorla plays for Spanish second-tier side Real Oviedo.
The 38-year-old spent over four seasons with the Gunners, contributing 29 goals and 44 assists in 180 games across competitions, between the 2012-13 and 2016-17 campaigns.
As per GOAL, Cazorla had talked with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta about a potential return to his old stomping ground. However, the report adds that the move is unlikely this summer, as Cazorla has agreed a new one-year deal with Oviedo, as confirmed by the side.
Oviedo fell in the last hurdle of La Liga promotion, as they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Espanyol last weekend in the playoff final. Nevertheless, in what's likely to be his final season at Oviedo, he hopes to take his boyhood club back to the top flight.
Earlier this month, Cazorla had said about a potential return to the Emirates (as per GOAL):
"I have a very special affection for Arsenal. I spent six wonderful years there, and I know how much all the people love me there. Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta, and now he is the manager.
"We had conversations about that, but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.
Cazorla, though, seemed to keep the door open for a return, but that's unlikely this summer:
"After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return. But right now, I have enough on my mind with the play-offs and trying to enjoy the last days of my playing career."
Oviedo haven't played in the top flight since the turn of the century.
How has Mikel Arteta fared at Arsenal as manager?
Mikel Arteta has had a superb stint in charge at Arsenal, especially in the last two seasons, steering the club to successive runners-up finishes in the Premier League, finishing behind Manchester City both times.
In 231 games across competitions since assuming charge in December 2019, Arteta has overseen 140 wins, losing 57 times. Although he hasn't yet ended the Gunners' 20-year wait for the league title, the Spaniard has delivered an FA Cup and two FA Community Shield triumphs.
Last season, Arteta's side went unbeaten against champions City in the league, winning 1-0 at the Emirates and drawing goalless at the Etihad. Earlier in the season, the Gunners beat Pep Guardiola's side on penalties in the FA Community Shield.