A former Arsenal fan favourite has revealed that "conversations" have been held with Mikel Arteta over a potential return to North London in a coaching capacity.
The diminutive Santi Cazorla immediately adapted to life in the Premier League upon his arrival from Malaga in the summer of 2012, one year after Arteta joined Arsene Wenger's side from Everton.
The Spanish playmaker spent six highly productive years in the English capital, during which he won two FA Cups and two Community Shields, alongside making 180 appearances.
Cazorla's final couple of years at the Emirates were blighted by injuries, but he registered a respectable 29 goals and 44 assists for the Gunners when fully fit and continues to be held in high regard by the Arsenal faithful.
Still going strong at the age of 39, Cazorla left Arsenal to return to Villarreal in 2018 and remarkably regained his best form in his mid-30s, so much so that he was briefly recalled to the Spain squad in 2019.
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After a three-year stint with Al-Sadd SC in Qatar, Cazorla returned to boyhood club Real Oviedo in the summer of 2023, and despite not being able to start week in week out, he set up four goals in 25 regular-season matches to help the Blues qualify for the post-season playoffs.
Should Oviedo come up trumps in a two-legged semi-final with Eibar, whom they drew 0-0 with in Saturday's first leg, they will take on either Espanyol or Sporting Gijon in the final for the right to end their 23-year La Liga exile, having last been relegated from the top flight in 2000–01.
Cazorla's Oviedo contract expires at the end of the month, though, and retirement is imminent for the man who will celebrate his 40th birthday in December, naturally sparking speculation that he could transition into a successful coach.
When asked by Sky Sports News if he could end up returning to Arsenal as part of Arteta's staff, Cazorla revealed that the door remains open for him to go back, and he had discussed that exact prospect with former teammate Arteta.
"I have a very special affection for Arsenal. I spent six wonderful years there and I know how much all the people love me there," the Spaniard said. "Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager.
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"We had conversations about that but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player. After that, we will see what the future holds for me.
"It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return. But right now, I have enough on my mind with the play-offs and trying to enjoy the last days of my playing career."
Cazorla to replace Carlos Cuesta at Arsenal?
Cazorla going back to Arsenal as an assistant manager could open the door for one of Arteta's highly-rated lieutenants to begin his head coach career, as the youthful Carlos Cuesta has earned several admirers for his work in North London.
The 28-year-old worked with Atletico Madrid and Juventus before joining the Gunners in 2020, but he is also out of contract at the end of the season and is not expected to be short of suitors in the Championship or abroad.
Norwich City were believed to be interested in hiring Cuesta before appointing Johannes Thorup, but several other second-tier teams have supposedly been running the rule over the Spaniard, whom Arsenal may soften their stance on if Cazorla makes a heart-warming return.
Ben Knapton
