FC Barcelona . are eyeing a move for Arsenal FC midfielder Santi Cazorla according to reports in Spanish media. The Catalan club sees him as the perfect replacement for Xavi.
The 30-year-old, who has become an integral part of this Arsenal team since his arrival in 2012, has been linked with a move back to Spain next season, first with Atletico Madrid and now with Barcelona. Atletico are believed to be interested in signing the former Villarreal midfielder, but Cazorla has dismissed those rumours stating that he intends to fulfil the remaining two years in his contract.
Arsene Wenger has used Cazorla in a more deep-lying role last season. Cazorla was partnered alongside Francis Coquelin at the base of the midfield and the Spaniard has prospered in his new role. Cazorla produced some memorable performances from the center of the park as Arsenal went on to win their second FA cup title in as many seasons.
The Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder and have been linked with both Morgan Schneiderlin and Geoffrey Kondogbia. A new addition to the squad might mean that Cazorla will once again be played in a more attacking role, alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Barcelona however were impressed with Carzorlaa s performance as the deep-lying playmaker and have earmarked him as a replacement for Xavi, who left the club at the end of last season, if reports in Spain are to be believed. Despite the transfer ban imposed on them by FIFA, Barcelona have already signed Aleix Vidal from Seville, although he cana t play for the club till Jan 2016.
Santi Cazorla is unlikely to be interested in similar arrangements; at his age he would be keen to get regular first team football. Players who have left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the past seasons, provide a real cautionary tale for the Spaniard, plus Arsene Wenger is unlikely to entertain any offer for him considering what a key player he became for the club last season.