Atletico are lining up an £18m bid and Cazorla is believed to be keen on a return to Spain.
Atletico star Juanfran has also expressed a desire to link up with Cazorla and said recently: “I’m trying to convince everyone that no one should leave, and with many of the selection [Spanish national team] I’m trying to convince them to come to Atletico Madrid. Santi [Cazorla] is one of them.”
And fresh reports in Spain claim Atletico want to strike a deal for Cazorla, but would struggle to match his current salary of £4m a season.
Spanish paper AS claims Atletico are hoping Cazorla would be willing to take a pay cut to move to the Vicente Calderon.
Atletico slashed their wage bill when they allowed David Villa to move to the MLS, but they are looking to tie down Koke, who has piqued the interest of Chelsea and Manchester United, to a long term contract.
Cazorla only signed a new long term deal in March and though Arsenal are blessed with a cluster of attacking midfielders, it remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger will be willing to sanction the sale of the Spaniard.
Written by Steve Milne
