Cazorla Would Be a Nice Piece to Arsenal’s 2012/13 Puzzle: Fan's Take

Posted Monday, August 06, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

In sports, another club's calamity can be another club's good fortune. Arsenal is ready to benefit from Malaga's financial problems by wrapping up a €16 million deal for Spain international Santi Cazorla. If the Gunners pull this deal off for Cazorla, it would be the ultimate display to fans and this Dutchman striker that's been getting a lot of attention this off-season that they are serious about competing for trophies in the 2012/13 season.

The paper Malaga Hoy is reporting that Cazorla was allowed on Thursday to skip training and fly to London with his wife and agent to undertake the first stage of his Arsenal medical.

The Gunners are close to a deal with Cazorla, but with all of the rumors that have been around almost every move the Gunners have attempted to make this summer, nothing is written in stone yet. Cazorla would be a great addition to the Gunners and they can get him for a relatively modest price, I wouldn't say cheap; I don't think €16 million is cheap. And knowing Arsene Wenger's philosophy on player's salaries, he probably wouldn't say he was getting Cazorla cheap either.

Cazorla joined Malaga 12 months ago for €19 million, and the game changers' performance in getting the team to fourth spot in La Liga and a Champions League qualifying spot, helped up his value considerably. He didn't know that Malaga would be in a position to ease their financial troubles. If a switch to Arsenal helps Cazorla and Malaga, I'm all for it. It concerns me a little that the Gunners are about to unload €16 million on a player that has yet to reach double figures in a single season. Something - so I've heard - that's always been the weakness that his coaches and teammates are quick to point out.

Like Robin van Persie, Cazorla has had up and down seasons and came up through youth squads. He'll bring a lot of experience to the Gunners' midfield. He's also adaptable enough to play winger. Cazorla lifted the Euro 2008 trophy after a good season in which he scored six goals.

Cazorla's play is consistent and he would be a major asset to the Gunners, but it would be really nice if he could score in the double digits. In Wenger's offensive scheme, next to Lukas Podolski, perhaps it'll be possible.