Arsenal Transfer News: Santi Cazorla Eyed in Atletico, Valencia, Sevilla Rumours

Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia are all reportedly keeping an eye on the future of Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla with a view to a potential January move.

According to Fichajes (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express), the trio of La Liga sides are taking a keener interest in the 31-year-old, with the playmaker’s contract with the Gunners set to expire at the end of the current season.

Should a deal not be agreed between Arsenal and Cazorla before 2017, the player will be able to discuss a potential move to one of the Spanish clubs and even sign a pre-contract agreement.

The lack of movement on a new contract for Cazorla will come as a concern to those who frequent the Emirates Stadium, as the diminutive creator remains such an important part of the Arsenal side. Indeed, per Wright, the midfielder recently told Cadena Ser he wanted to sign a new contract.

When Cazorla joined Arsenal from Malaga, he was regularly deployed in an advanced position and even on the flanks. However, manager Arsene Wenger has moved him into a deeper role in recent seasons; the man himself discussed the intricacies of that switch here:

Alongside summer signing Granit Xhaka, the former Malaga and Villarreal man has blossomed this term. Xhaka’s dynamic defensive work and ability to cover ground has enabled Cazorla to scurry forward from deep and pick up possession in more dangerous areas.

Arsenal possess some wonderful and skilful manipulators of the ball, but Cazorla remains their most effective passer. The Spaniard spreads play with impunity, and even in physical midfield battles in the Premier League, he’s able to wriggle free of the attentions of opponents.

That’s why he always seems to have time on the ball. As these numbers from Squawka Football illustrate, not only does Cazorla control the tempo of the game for Arsenal, he’s always seeking to probe from his midfield berth:

After four years at Arsenal, he’s also emerged as something of a leader. While that's perhaps not in a vocal sense, he does take responsibility of the Gunners' play; Cazorla shows bravery in his pass selection and his willingness to take the ball from team-mates in pressure situations.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

In terms of set pieces, he’s extremely useful, too, with an ability to take corners and free-kicks with either foot.

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, the Spain international is also reliable when it comes to penalty kicks:

The player's injuries have meant Arsenal supporters are used to getting by without Cazorla, although his rejuvenated presence at the hub of the team early in 2016-17 has been a reminder of just how talented he is. 

For Atletico, Sevilla or Valencia, Cazorla would be a superb signing, and his ability to run a game from an orthodox central midfield position would be extremely useful in La Liga.

However, there’s still a lot left for him to offer at the Emirates, and it’ll be a huge surprise if the Gunners don’t move to tie the Spaniard down.