Arsenal Transfer News: Santi Cazorla Set to Stay, Latest Daniele Baselli Rumours

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reassured the club's fans after proclaiming Santi Cazorla won't be leaving this summer, but the Gunners find themselves in a race to sign Italian prospect Daniele Baselli.

Amid surfacing rumours that Atletico Madrid may be interested in cutting a deal for playmaker Cazorla, Wenger has been quoted by The Telegraph's Darren Witcoop allaying any fear among supporters:

"He has extended his contract last year and has two years to go. You know our policy at the club. There's nothing to worry about. The suggestion is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him.”

Following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez last summer, there were concerns the Spaniard may struggle to tie down a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium, but Cazorla has revived his best form in a more central role.

Spanish newspaper AS divulge more on the "strong speculation" that Diego Simeone has been eyeing the player for his summer recruitment:

Wenger has had to deal with the absences of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta while they make their recoveries from injury, but Cazorla's reemergence as an elite star of the team has been a happy outcome of the ordeal.

In fact, Miguel Delaney writes for WhoScored that the Spain international could even retain his place in the starting XI when Wenger has a fully fit selection once again:

The former Malaga star may be tempted by the thought of a return to his native La Liga, but Wenger has sent out a strong message regarding the club's intention to see out their contract with Cazorla.

However, while the club may be relaxed on that front, the north Londoners may be forced to spring into action in their hopes to sign Atalanta's Baselli, who is drawing serious interest from Milan.

The 22-year-old was associated with the Rossoneri during the winter window, and although a move failed to materialise, the Serie A giants are rushing to make their interest known once again.

That's according to Atalanta director general Pierpaolo Marino, who recently spoke to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t talkSPORT) to say a deal isn't yet complete, but Milan are edging in:

"

The deal for Baselli to Milan is real, but it's not done yet. There is no certainty that it will be concluded. 

President [Antonio] Percassi and I were able to speak with [Milan Vice-President] Adriano Galliani, who showed great interest in the lad. 

Milan have a moral first option on our player, yes, but I absolutely would not say that the deal is already done.

"

Baselli would be targeted by Wenger in the hopes of boosting his engine-room division, with those aforementioned injuries to Wilshere and Arteta creating something of a shortage this season.

The central midfielder has made 15 Serie A appearances this season and has earned seven caps for Italy's under-21s since debuting in 2012.

He recently spoke to Bergamo TV (h/t Football Italia) on his reaction to learning that Milan were looking to recruit his services, hinting that he will move this summer:

"

I’m happy to have stayed, and I hope to do very well in the coming months. It was a busy Monday [transfer deadline day], even I didn’t know what would happen.

Milan? I struggled to even eat, I was a bit anxious, but in the end I was calm, even when I knew the deal was complicated. This is my home, and I’ll give my all for the next six months.

"

Baselli has more than three years remaining on his Atalanta contract, but the Italian side may not be able to fight off the advances of their European peers for long should the youngster wish to depart.

At the close of the winter transfer window, however, Kris Voakes of Goal wasn't convinced in Baselli as a Milan target:

With Arteta steadily creeping toward the end of his career, Wenger will be looking for a more youthful injection in the core of his midfield, having already brought in promising teenager Krystian Bielik this year.

However, Baselli would stand as a more readily prepared asset, one who would seemingly need to reject Milan first before deciding on a Premier League switch.