Santi Cazorla signs for Arsenal

TOP SANTI ... Cazorla with Arsenal shirt

SANTI CAZORLA has finally completed his £16million move to Arsenal from Malaga.

The Spain midfielder, 27, becomes the Gunners’ third major signing of the summer.

Strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski joined the club earlier this year.

Cazorla’s transfer has long been expected and he is expected to make his debut in a friendly with Cologne on Sunday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us.

“He is a player with good experience at both club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad.

“He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally.

“He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal. We are delighted that he is joining us.”

Cazorla has 45 caps for Spain and built his reputation at Villarreal before heading to Malaga last summer.

Financial troubles at the club mean Cazorla and some of his team-mates have had to move on.

Cazorla said: “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a club with great players, a fantastic stadium and huge support.

“The club has one of the best managers in football and their style of play is recognised and admired all over the world.

“I’m so excited to be joining one of the greatest teams in Europe and also in the Premier League.

“I will do my best to help Arsenal challenge for trophies and make all the supporters happy.”

“I am very happy to be here — it is a huge club. It is a great step forward in my career and I hope it will be a very good experience.

"I hope to win trophies here — that is what I want of course.

“I remember when I signed for Malaga there was already interest from Arsenal. It was always a club I liked very much.

“Because of circumstances in football, things have not gone the way we wanted in Malaga this year but now I am going to have the opportunity to experience the Premier League and to be at a big club.

“I could not miss this opportunity — I am 27 years old so it was the last train I could catch.”