Santi Cazorla to Arsenal?

The past week has seen the rumors surrounding Spanish international winger/attacking midfielder Santi Cazorla's transfer to Arsenal pick up some serious steam. Cazorla's current employer, Malaga, is facing a rough economic forecast and Arsenal may be able to prize Cazorla away at a price far below what the Spanish side have in mind. Cazorla's potential arrival will add yet another new set of dynamics to a Gunners attack that, in addition to most likely being without Robin van Persie, will be featuring two new starters in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. So, I decided to scour the youtubes for some Santi clips to breakdown. I already knew he is a great winger, but I did not remember him being able to pick out those passes in central midfield... hurry up already Arsène.

Cazorla is a natural left winger, but he is more than capable of playing on the right wing, in an advanced playmaking role or even dropping back deeper into midfield to pick up the ball and start attacks. He has impressive acceleration and speed and his low center of gravity helps him make quick turns and cuts that give his markers fits. His vision is excellent and his ability to pick out a pass makes you think you're watching a deep-lying midfielder like Andrea Pirlo at times. His preferred foot is his right, but he is very comfortable using his left; his finishing is lethal with both. Cazorla also delivers very accurate set pieces, including some free kick wonder strikes courtesy of his right foot. The clips I found do not show Cazorla doing much crossing (a consequence of a lot of the highlights being of the Spanish national team maybe?), but judging by the way he sprays the ball around in midfield I doubt he has much trouble finding his targets in the box. The one knock against Cazorla that comes to mind is his size. Physical defensive midfielders and wingbacks may cause him problems (if they can keep up with him). That one "small" problem aside... see what I did there? Cazorla is a dynamic attacking threat that can do damage in a myriad number of ways.

I would love to see this deal get done, even with Cazorla's purportedly discounted €23m price tag. His playmaking ability would give Arsenal the extra creative spark they seemed to be lacking at crucial times last season. I see Cazorla's creativity and class as the perfect compliments to Giroud's physicality and predatory finishing. I hope we get to see the two teaming up at the Emirates soon.

Cheers
-Mike