Santi Cazorla: Arsenal Ends Transfer Saga by Officially Signing Midfielder

After weeks of negotiations and speculation, Arsenal has finally completed a deal to acquire winger Santi Cazorla from Malaga, according to the team's official site.

The transfer fee was not disclosed, but the Gunners quickly inked the 27-year-old Spanish international to a long-term contract. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has had a lot on his plate throughout the offseason, was pleased to wrap up the deal:

"

He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal Football Club. We are delighted that he is joining us.

"

Cazorla joins the Gunners after scoring nine goals and tallying five assists in 38 games in his only season with Malaga. The club's ownership issues were an extra hurdle in transfer talks, which is likely why it took a little longer than normal to get the deal done.

But the good news for Arsenal is that the team was able to finalize it before the season began.

It gives Cazorla 11 days to get up to speed with the squad before the team's scheduled Premier League opener, against Sunderland at Emirates.

The former Villarreal winger brings some much-needed versatility to the Gunners attack. He uses his terrific pace to put pressure on the opposing back line, an attribute the team didn't feature enough of last season, which forced Robin van Persie to carry the load.

Speaking of Van Persie, his future with Arsenal remains unclear after he stated that he wouldn't sign a new contract earlier in the summer. Wenger still hasn't received an offer he's deemed acceptable for the marquee striker, and thus Van Persie remains on the squad as the season approaches.

If Van Persie ends up staying—at least for the time being—the Arsenal offense is shaping up to be a lot more dynamic this season. The Gunners also added Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud in an effort to bolster the attack.

The presence of Cazorla on the wings will open up a lot more space for those players in the middle to create scoring opportunities. It's clear Wenger entered the window with plans to deepen his attack and has done a nice job of doing so.

Cazorla also has experience in high-pressure games, having played the for Spanish national team, which should bode well as the Gunners prepare for a Champions League appearance.

It all adds up to a smart addition for Arsenal.

The offseason's success still hinges on whatever happens with Van Persie, but all of the team's new players, including Cazorla, should make a significant impact during the campaign.