Santi Cazorla, clocking 180 performances for Arsenal over his six-year epoch, might rejoin the team in a novel role. Whisperings suggest he’s being eyed for a slot in Mikel Arteta’s coaching cadre.
The 39-year-old pivot returned to his alma mater, Real Oviedo, last annum. He’s close to hoisting them back into La Liga’s embrace after a prolonged, 23-year absence—plummeting to Spain’s fourth football tier at their nadir.
Post the impending second division playoff finale against Eibar, retirement looms for Cazorla. He ponders trading his boots for a tactical board at Arsenal, where he once shined.
Between 2012 and 2016, Cazorla donned the Gunners’ garb, netting 29 goals and setting up 44 more. His trophy case gleams with two FA Cups and Community Shields, secured with then-teammate, now-mastermind, Arteta.
Now grappling with Oviedo’s crucial Saturday match, Cazorla teases an Arsenal homecoming. Conversations with Arteta have sparked such speculations.
“Arsenal holds a gigantic slice of my heart,” Cazorla confided to Sky Sports. “Those six years were stellar, engraved in memory, cherished by the Arsenal faithful.
“Mikel and I, former comrades, now he’s skipper of the ship. We’ve broached returning, yet my current focus is savoring my final plays with Oviedo.”
“The future’s a mystery, yet it’s no secret Arsenal’s doors remain ajar for me. For now, my gaze is fixed on the playoffs, relishing my twilight strides in cleats.”
