Arsenal Transfer News: Santi Cazorla Denies Exit Rumours, Jose Luis Gaya Latest

    

Santi Cazorla remains committed to Arsenal amid rumours he could be on his way back to his native Spain at the end of the season, with his contract set to expire in 2016.

In an interview with El Mundo (h/t ESPN FC), the midfielder made it clear he has no intention of leaving the Gunners before then:

Arsenal's Santi Cazorla is playing down a possible summer move back to his homeland. In an interview with El Mundo, the Gunners' midfielder said he's heard the rumours of a move to Atletico Madrid, but says he's happy in north London right now.

Cazorla congratulated Atleti's Diego Simeone for the revival he's helped the club to and for his new contract. Cazorla quickly added that, despite his love for Madrid, he feels valued at Arsenal and is committed to play out his contract there, which runs until next summer.

The 30-year-old Spain international has been one of the club's most consistent performers in 2014-15, making 25 Premier League starts so far, per WhoScored.com.

But with the end of his current deal fast approaching, some are calling for Arsene Wenger to cash in on Cazorla now and put together a younger side over the summer. Le Grove is one of them, writing for ESPN FC:

The decision will likely be made this summer—whether to offer Cazorlaa new contract or move on—but as far as the player himself is concerned, there's no reason to rush things.

Bleacher Report's James McNicholas is of similar opinion, and he thinks the key to success next season is limiting the turnover during the summer:

Cazorla is still a very effective player, given regular minutes with Spain's national team and a spot in Wenger's starting XI. There's little doubt a team like Atletico Madrid would be willing to pay good money for someone who's been among the very best at this position during the last few years, via WhoScored:

Getting younger players is never a bad idea, but it may be unwise to push for another squad rebuild by moving on from Cazorla. The Spaniard has just one season left on his current deal, so don't expect any club to overspend just to bring him into the fold.

Meanwhile, bringing in a replacement wouldn't be easy, and whoever arrived would need time to adapt to Wenger's system and the pressure that comes with playing at the Emirates.

In all likelihood, Cazorla will be donning the red and white next season as well.

Jose Luis Gaya Reportedly Rejects Valencia Contract Offer

Big news from Spain, where star full-back Jose Luis Gaya has reportedly turned down a contract extension from Valencia amid interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid, via Football Espana:

Metro's Jamie Sanderson links the 19-year-old with the Gunners, who have been watching the Spaniard with a keen interest and could now decide to make their move.

Valencia CEO Amadeo Salvo refused to confirm nor deny the ongoing situation with Gaya, as reported by AS (h/t Football Espana), giving a cryptic message instead:

We’ve always said that between January and March we’d contact the players who wanted to renew [their contracts].

We’ve talked to their agents and are in the process [of negotiating]. Each [renewal] has its own timeframe and we’re collaborating with those who wish to stay.

Our perception [of these negotiations] is positive. As the weeks go forward, there’ll be more news.

Gaya is tied to the club until 2018 but has a buyout clause of just €18 million, a laughable amount for a player widely regarded as the top emerging full-back in Spain.

Often compared to Barcelona's Jordi Alba, Gaya plays on the left side of Valencia's defence, quickly erasing all memories of Juan Bernat, who left the club for Bayern Munich during summer.

Gaya is a fast-paced, attack-minded full-back (or wing-back) who often streaks down the flanks, creating space for attackers and others. He also makes a constant and effective connection with defensive midfielder Javi Fuego.

1. Pace – this attribute allows Gaya to maintain connection with Pablo Piatti and others while allowing for a quick defensive recovery when possession is lost.
2. Crossing – His left foot allows for superb in balls to the likes of Negredo and Paco Alcacer– great headers of the ball.
3. Acceleration – his sheer ability to speed up so quickly is rare and makes him a force both defensively and offensively.
4. Valencia will continue to do whatever they can to make sure they don't lose a star full-back in consecutive summers, but as long as his buyout clause remains unchanged, he's there for the taking.
   And with Marcelo playing big minutes in Madrid, the youngster may just fancy his chances of starting for Arsenal a little more. If that's the case, the Gunners could be walking away with the steal of the summer window.