Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil

Juventus are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla on a free transfer.

The Spain international’s contract with the Gunners is set to run out at the end of the current campaign. According to Enzo Bucchioni of Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), the Italian champions are said to be keen to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Indeed, given Cazorla’s contract situation, he can discuss terms with another club over a pre-contract from January onwards, meaning Arsenal could lose him for nothing.

These numbers from Squawka Football suggest he’d be a massive loss for the Gunners:

Juve are said to be looking to reshape their midfield following the summer sale of Paul Pogba, and Zenit St Petersburg’s Axel Witsel is noted as their main target.

However, with Cazorla potentially available on a free transfer, he may be an extremely handy alternative for the Bianconeri. While there may be stylistic differences between the two players, the Spaniard’s ability on the ball, experience and technical ability would see him thrive in Serie A.

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They’re traits that have seen him blossom for Arsenal since he arrived at the club in 2012 from Malaga. Now 31 and having suffered with injuries during the last couple of seasons, the Gunners have managed to cope without Cazorla, although they play at their best when he’s at the hub of the team.

Juventus would pose an attractive option for Cazorla, as they dominate the domestic scene and look well prepared to challenge for the UEFA Champions League, too. However, he has so much to offer Arsenal, and they should do their utmost to keep him at the club for a few more seasons yet.

Mesut Ozil Contract Discussed

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has encouraged his star playmaker Mesut Ozil to pen a new contract at the Emirates after his wonderful start to the season.

The German international scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, helping to continue the Gunners’ brilliant recent form. However, he’s yet to extend the five-year deal he penned when agreeing to become Arsenal’s record signing in 2013; Wenger wants to see him, and team-mate Alexis Sanchez, commit.

"[Ozil] is in the prime of his career," he said on Friday, per Mark Critchley of The Independent. "We want him to contribute to the success of the club in the future. [Ozil and Sanchez] want to be happy. They are happy at the club and I want them to commit to the club because I believe they are in the right place."

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Usually revered for his tremendous creative talent, Ozil has found a ruthlessness in front of goal early in the campaign, netting six times in total.

Bleacher Report UK suggested his prolific recent form warrants the club spending big on a new contract for him:

While there will be no major worries on the part of Arsenal, given Ozil still has a long time left to run on his contract, such is his importance to the team that they will be looking for a show of renewed loyalty. Given their stature in the football world, it’s vital the Gunners have their prize assets well protected.

Ozil seems content with life at Arsenal, and after their fine start to 2016-17, he will feel as though this side is capable of challenging for the biggest titles. His performances, arguably more than anyone else’s in this Gunners squad, will be vital to determining whether they can make that critical final step to a massive prize.