Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Santi Cazorla Rumours

Arsenal have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

The Armenia international has one year remaining on his contract at Signal Iduna Park and could leave the Bundesliga club in the summer.

Per an earlier report by Darren Lewis in the Mirror, it was claimed Premier League rivals Chelsea were also interested in the 27-year-old playmaker.

Here are some of the best bits from his time at the Ruhr club:

Mkhitaryan has enjoyed a sensational campaign with Dortmund but could now be heading to the Emirates after scoring 18 goals and providing the same number of assists in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

The attacker is a key member of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first team and aids the transition from midfield when the German club counter with pace. He has a wonderful balance while in possession and is known for his creativity and smart dribbles.

Before their dramatic quarter-final exit from Europe at the hands of Liverpool, he had contributed much to Dortmund's campaign, as WhoScored.com detailed: 

Per Cross, Mkhitaryan has made it clear he wishes to move to the English capital, sending an alert to Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea.

England internationals Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plus Mikel Arteta could all be heading for the exit in north London, per Football Insider (h/t Lee Thomas-Mason of the Metro), and the sale of the trio would force boss Arsene Wenger back into the transfer market in order to reinforce his squad.

DW Sports journalist Stefan Bienkowski feels Mkhitaryan is a vital part of the club and expressed so online:

Another Arsenal player who could be leaving the club is Santi Cazorla, per Oscar Mendez of Fichajes (h/t Daily Star’s Alex Wood).

The 31-year-old has been forced to play a bit-part role in the Gunners’ season owing to injury, featuring in 14 Premier League matches this term, per Soccerway.

The versatile central midfielder—who is expected to overcome his Achilles and knee problems ahead of Saturday’s match with Norwich City—could make a return to his former La Liga side Villarreal.

Cazorla began his career with this year's UEFA Europa League semi-finalists before taking a one-year spell with Recreativo Huelva and then returning for four more seasons at El Madrigal. 

Per AS (h/t Alex Sharp of the Daily Mail) the Spain international is open to the possibility of a potential comeback and was quoted as saying: "I do not rule out returning to Villarreal one day. Everybody in the world knows that Villarreal are a very special club to me."

The midfielder is comfortable using both feet and can dictate passages of play with his passing accuracy and fluid style, and he remains a threat from set-piece situations. 

Wood's report said Cazorla has been impressed with the Yellow Submarine's progress this season and could seek a move to his former club.