According to the Independent, Arsenal’s FA Cup hero Santi Cazorla is looking increasingly likely to move to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
The little Spaniard was linked with Los Rojiblancos last summer, but the Gunners stood firm to reject any approach.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Cazorla has struggled to adapt to life in England, and prefers a switch back to Spain.
The 29-year-old has become a firm favourite amongst the fans at the Emirates, proving a hit in English football despite his diminutive figure.
Cazorla’s phenomenal technique, two-footedness, and creative genius saw him named the Arsenal.com Player of the Season for the 2012-13 season.
With the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, coupled with the return to fitness of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, not to mention Mesut Ozil’s position, Cazorla’s first-team opportunities this season could well be limited.
The club are no longer in a position where they need to recoup money on players, so there is no certainty that Cazorla is on his way out. Having renewed his contract last season, we certainly won’t be forced into a decision.
In order to challenge for titles to the extent the club aspires to, having a deep squad and keeping your best players is a given. Cazorla certainly qualifies as one of our best, and the club should make it clear, in no uncertain terms, that the little genius is not for sale.