Santi Cazorla will cost Arsenal over £20m, warn Malaga

 
Malaga have ruled out selling Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla

Manager Arsene Wenger has made securing a deal for Cazorla a top priority this summer, but despite expressing an interest in the 27-year-old, he has been warned off a move by the Spaniard's club.

The La Liga outfit are currently trying to resolve a number of crippling financial problems, with Qatari owner Abdullah Ghubn now back in the country to arrange payment of substantial debts, including a hefty tax bill owned to the Spanish government.

Should the club fail to settle all their debts they face the possibility of being relegated from the top flight, and suggestions in Spain say they may consider selling a top player this summer to help free up some capital.

Arsenal have been admirers of Cazorla for the last two years, and believe now is the perfect time to land the player, after missing out on a £17 million deal last summer.

However, despite telling Malaga of their notable interest in Cazorla, coach Manuel Pellegrini says he has no intention of selling the player, and especially not for the €20 million being quoted across Europe.

'To sell Cazorla for €20 million would be to give him away. I don't think the club intends to do that,' Pellegrini told the Spanish press.

'I've talked a lot with Abdullah Ghubn and with the Sheikh and this would not be representative of their mentality. It would send out the wrong signal ahead of our Champions League campaign. If significant offers come in for players they are worthy of consideration, but I don't think Santi will be leaving for €20 million.'

The comments now put the ball firmly back into Arsenal's court, with Malaga willing to do business, but only for a large fee - something the Gunners could afford if they can offload want-a-way striker Robin van Persie this summer for his asking price of £25 million.

Cazorla, who has won two European Championship gongs with Spain, is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.