Every Arsenal fan has their dream idea for how the summer transfer window could go, there are so many necessities the club needs to work through. However, transfers are certainly at the centre of the discussions.
Whether the club should invest in one or two strikers in the summer will largely depend on Alexandre Lacazette’s future. Mikel Arteta has a decision to make on the Frenchman’s contract. Central midfield is also a focus, and Arsenal has been linked with a plethora of talent in the middle third already.
Arsenal could do with a player of the level of Santi Cazorla to occupy the playmaker role alongside Martin Odegaard. A combination of those two would be an absolute delight to watch playing at the carpet.
READ MORE: Gary Neville’s ignorant Arsenal criticism highlights lack of understanding for Mikel Arteta plan
Cazorla’s possible Arsenal return was touted this week as reports suggested that the Spanish magician may return in a coaching role. It was a topic addressed in Mikel Arteta’s Crystal Palace pre-match press conference.
The Arsenal Twitter page included an image of both Arteta and Cazorla celebrating the 2015 FA Cup trophy victory together. It sparked plenty of calls in the responses to see the midfield maestro return.
@NewtronGooner: Get Santi as a coach pls
@minm1nszn: Get Santi in please
@Yervant17: Santi we miss you so much. Wish u were still here!! U were the Greatest. Plz come & join with Arteta to Develop the AFC. Fans [love] u more than u Think
@0zBrain0sagie: Having Santi back in some capacity would be great, [ ∅degaard saka and them boys roughing feathers with Santi would produce magic, Santi can teach then how to keep the ball and not lose it.
It is clear the love and desire that the Arsenal fans have to see Santi return to the club. His time with Arsenal finished in such sad circumstances through injury and he was never afforded a proper goodbye.
He left to join Villarreal and then moved to play for Al Sadd in Qatar under now Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez. He remains a player for Al Sadd and has scored 24 goals in 49 appearances at 37 years of age.
However, the Arsenal hope of a summer reunion has been dashed. Mikel Arteta confirmed that reports regarding discussions over Cazorla coming back to north London were not the case as he has not spoken to him regarding this.
“I haven’t discussed anything like that with Santi. But of course, if you ask anyone at this football club or any supporter about Santi, they will probably have a smile on their face. He is still playing so I don't know what he wants to do, but I'm sure it will be related to football because I know him well,” explained Arteta.
Arteta had however spoken to him. Except he explained it wasn’t about what many had hoped. He said: “I spoke to him on my birthday, but we didn't discuss that.”
It is no surprise to see fans ask for more expertise in coaching. Arsenal have benefited hugely from Nicolas Jover's set-piece improvements meaning the Gunners are yet to concede from a corner all season.
However, some supporters were not convinced. Some felt that the Arsenal manager was just playing down the idea and instead secretly the return of the little magician was still very much on the cards.
@User_138: He’s coming home. [100%] Arteta just trying to play it down.
How true this is, we simply do not know. However, at least for now, Santi remains just a club legend but not yet a club coach.
