With Santi Cazorla experiencing yet another injury setback, it’s time that Arsenal started doing some much-needed succession planning. The 32-year old is now expected to be out until 2018, an absence that could once again halt Arsenal’s title push.
The likes of Granit Xhaka and Mohammed Elneny have adjusted to the Premier League quickly at Arsenal, neither of them has the skill set of Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard is a deep-lying playmaker with the ability of a false 9; he’s a rare oddity in football today. That’s why it’s imperative Arsène Wenger makes it his top priority to replace him.
Here are five possible replacements for Santi Cazorla at Arsenal.
2. Sergi Samper
Once hailed as the next Sergio Busquets, Sergi Samper’s been on a steady decline as of recent. The youngster was sent out to Granada CF on loan last season, against his wishes.
With Barcelona’s midfield performing at its worst in recent memory, it’s a surprise as to how the youngster was left to rot out on loan when he could have easily made the difference at the Nou Camp.
For this reason alone, this transfer looks realistic. The 22-year old has the talent worthy of starting for Arsenal, not Granada. Hopefully, Samper follows the example of Cesc Fàbregas and Hector Bellerín, both refused to settle for 2nd best in Barcelona’s reserves and made the worthwhile switch to North London.
