Cazorla to Atletico Madrid – six ideal replacement signings.
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A look at six potential signings to replace Santi Cazorla at Arsenal this summer if the Spanish playmaker ends up joining Atletico Madrid…
1) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
A player linked with Arsenal in the past, it may be worth paying up for Liverpool attacking midfielder Raheem Sterling this summer if Cazorla does leave. The England international is a world class prospect and can fill the Spaniard’s boots in terms of operating either out wide or as a number ten, though he would cost close to £50m.
2) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Another player worth roughly £50m, Borussia Dortmund playmaker Marco Reus would be an excellent signing to replace Cazorla, with the German international having a similar level of skill, creativity and an eye for goal.
3) Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)
Another world class German attacker, Mario Gotze could leave Bayern Munich for the right price this summer after struggling to reach his full potential with the club, and there’s no doubt he has the right ingredients in his locker to play the Cazorla role for the Gunners.
4) Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)
Previously linked with Manchester United and Liverpool and worth around £37m, Miralem Pjanic of AS Roma is another creative midfield player who could do precisely what Cazorla did alongside Francis Coquelin last season, and dictate the play from deep.
5) Javier Pastore (Paris Saint-Germain)
A player in fine form at the moment, Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore has been linked with Arsenal and other Premier League sides in the past, and would be another fine like-for-like replacement for Cazorla.
6) Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
Linked with Arsenal in the past, Napoli attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik has long been one of the finest creative players and midfield goalscorers in Serie A, and would easily command a starting spot in the Gunners’ starting lineup if Cazorla were to move to Spain.