Arsenal have today announced the long awaited signing of Santi Cazorla from Malaga, for a fee widely believed to be below £15 million. Following Malaga’s recent financial problems, Arsene Wenger acted quickly to acquire the services of the much admired Spaniard, who along with fellow new signings Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, will now provide the Gunners with a greater attacking threat.
According to several reports, news of the Cazorla’s transfer has greatly uplifted the mood within the squad, with many now genuinely believing that the club can enjoy a successful season this year.
Arsène Wenger has said: "Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He is a player with good experience at both club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad.
"He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal. We are delighted that he is joining us."
It is widely believed that although Cazorla can operate on either wing, he will be utilised mainly in the centre of midfield where it is hoped his great technical ability will enable the Spaniard to unlock many a Premier League defence. With the sale of both Fabregas and Nasri last season as well as the injury sustained by Jack Wilshere, this was an area in which Arsenal visibly struggled at times, with their attacking play relying far too heavily on Van Persie and becoming predictable. However, with his shrewd summer signings so far, Wenger now has numerous attacking options, even if the Dutchman is sold to the highest bidder during this transfer window.
How much Van Persie now regrets his statement of 4th July, in which he declared his intention to leave the club, is open to debate. One thing that is certain is that while the captain’s move has stalled, as none of his pursuers have managed to submit a bid which even comes close to Arsenal’s valuation, the club has moved on. Olivier Giroud can fill the role of target man up front and be a real focal point for the team, holding up the ball and linking up well with the midfield, Lukas Podolski can play on either wing or up front and has the ability to contribute his fair share of goals, while Cazorla can play in the hole between the midfield and strikers, supplying killer through balls and also possessing great ability in taking free kicks and corners. To this mix we can also add the returning Abou Diaby, who will hopefully be able to put his injury nightmare behind him and fulfil his great potential, likewise Jack Wilshere, whose return is now set for October and Aaron Ramsey, who will be much improved following his first full season after that horrific injury. Another creative midfielder, Nuri Sahin, is also expected to join the club shortly, on loan from Real Madrid, to further strengthen Arsenal’s attacking options.
As a result, regardless of whether Van Persie stays or goes, for the first time in several years, there is great optimism amongst the Arsenal faithful. Having addressed the Gunners’ deficiencies in attack, Wenger must surely now look to strengthen the defence and provide the team with a solid platform from which to build. So far in this transfer window, Van Persie’s views that the club is not ambitious have been quashed, let’s hope that continues.
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