Italian giants Juventus have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal’s dynamic midfielder Santi Cazorla. With the Spaniard’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Bianconeri are hoping to sign him on a free transfer.
According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Juventus are keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla. The 31-year-old has a contract at the Emirates that runs out at the end of the season and the Italian side will be looking to capitalise on the situation. Despite impressing for Arsene Wenger’s side, the dexterous midfielder is yet to sign an extension with the Gunners.
The Spain international has played in each of the Gunners’ seven Premier League games this season and has become a vital cog in Wenger’s midfield. His industry and precision has been second to none in the middle of the park, and he has formed a phenomenal understanding with new recruit Granit Xhaka. The two have worked well in tandem as a double pivot, and Arsenal’s recent success could partly be put down to their performances at the heart of midfield.
Cazorla has also been lethal from the penalty spot. With Alexis Sanchez misfiring from 12 yards, the 31-year-old has duly obliged by taking up the spot-kick duties at the Emirates.
Cazorla’s form is a clear indication that he should be offered a new contract at the North London club. The player too, seems intent on staying put at Arsenal, and recently stated that he would sign a contract should the club offer him an extension.
In an interview with Caden Ser (h/t ESPN), Cazorla stated: “I hope I can stay here and continue to play. I am happy here. What a player wants is to play and to feel important. Fortunately, since I arrived at Arsenal, I’ve had the confidence of the coach [Arsene Wenger] and of my teammates. I’ve played a lot of minutes. In the end, that is what every player wants.”
Should he decide to change his mind, Juventus would be a potential destination for him. At 31, he could fancy moving to a slower and more tactical league. However, he may struggle to immediately break into the starting lineup as the Old Lady have an embarrassment of riches in central midfield.
The likes of Miralem Pjanic, Mario Lemina, Sami Khedira, Hernanes and Stefano Sturaro are all decent options to deploy at the heart of midfield. While Cazorla may arguably be an upgrade on most of them, it may take him a couple of months to get accustomed to life in Italy’s top tier.