Arsenal Transfers: Why Santi Cazorla Would Be a Very Shrewd Move

Arsene Wenger has already strengthened his Arsenal squad this summer by capturing attackers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, and now looks set to add another name with Malaga's Santi Cazorla reported to be on the verge of a transfer to the Gunners.

The Guardian are reporting that Arsenal have agreed to financial terms with the Spain international attacking midfielder and are hopeful of concluding a deal for around £15 million with his club to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

With a few weeks still to go until the start of the Premier League this is a transfer which may drag on for a while yet, but there can be no doubt that Cazorla would benefit any side he moves to.

Here are five reasons why Cazorla would be a very shrewd move for Wenger and his club.

Positional Versatility

Predominantly right footed, Santi Cazorla can nevertheless pass well with both feet and has no problem playing anywhere across the line of attacking midfielders behind a forward.

On the right side he plays as an orthodox wide midfielder; finding space to pass short into the box or coming infield to link up play with the front man.

From the opposite flank he can use his close control to cut infield on his preferred foot and look for shooting or passing chances, and in the middle his movement and first touch make him a dangerous link player.

His most-used position in his career is from the right flank, but he could certainly feature for Arsenal in any one of those three.

Rumoured Lack of Funds for Malaga Might Facilitate Smooth Move

Despite millions of euros being spent on players over the past couple of seasons, including Cazorla himself, Jeremy Toulalan, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Carlos Kameni, there are whispers of financial problems surfacing at Malaga.

Should that be the case, the club might be more willing to let any big fee transfer go through a little quicker, potentially strengthening Arsenal's bargaining position and their ability to finalise a deal before other interested parties make themselves known.

Anything resembling a £15 million fee for Cazorla would be a real bargain.

Continues to Show Any Players Contemplating Leaving That Club Continues to Grow

With Robin van Persie having decided not to renew his contract and rumours continuing to surround Theo Walcott about making the same choice, making a big name, solid reputation signing could be the shot in the arm Arsenal players need to make them realise the club is still going places.

Can still, in short, challenge to win trophies.

A troika of attacking signings of Podolski-Giroud-Cazorla, who could all incidentally line up alongside each other, shows that the club retains ambition and pull in the transfer market.

And, perhaps more pertinently, that it will continue to do so regardless of which players decide to leave.

Arsenal Need More Composure in Final Third from Wide Areas

Robin van Persie aside, Arsenal's finishing and end product on a pass or cross can be a little woeful at times inside the penalty area.

Not a clinical goalscorer perhaps, but Cazorla is a composed finisher and keeps his head in tight spots, making him more likely to execute a final pass in a pressure situation than perhaps the likes of Gervinho and Theo Walcott, who have been guilty of wasting possession in goalscoring chances too often.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is as yet unproven in the goalscoring stakes, but those former two could certainly use a few lessons in not letting their blood rush to their head.

The All-Round Class of Santi Cazorla

Still unconvinced?

Cazorla is a proven class act in the top flight of Spanish football. Although not blinding fast, he has good acceleration and a low centre of gravity, letting him change directions and the tempo of the game in an instant.

45 caps for the Spanish national team is no mean feat either, considering the talents he is up against for a spot in the squad, never mind the team, and has been a part of the European Championship winning squads in both 2008 and 2012.

He only missed the World Cup in between because of an injury which kept him absent.

Cazorla is a fine talent, a hard worker and, at 27 years of age, in the prime of his career. He could be a fantastic addition to the Arsenal squad—and Arsene Wenger would do very well to bring him to the club for all these reasons mentioned.

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