Official: Arsenal sign Santi Cazorla from Malaga
The Gunners have completed their third signing of the summer,
securing the Spain attacking midfielder for a fee of around £18 million
Arsenal have completed the signing of Spain international Santi Cazorla from Malaga on a long-term contract.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder becomes
the third new arrival at the Emirates this summer, following the
arrivals of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.
Confirmation of
the transfer ends a saga where the move had been cast into doubt due to
uncertainties over the Spanish club’s ownership situation.
The transfer fee for Cazorla is officially undisclosed but Goal.com understands the move will cost the Gunners around £18 million.
"I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal," Cazorla told Arsenal's official website.
"This
is a club with great players, a fantastic stadium and huge support. The
club has one of the best managers in football and their style of play
is recognised and admired all over the world.
"I'm so excited to
be joining one of the greatest teams in Europe and also in the Premier
League. I will do my best to help Arsenal challenge for trophies and
make all the supporters happy."
Manager Arsense Wenger was also
delighted after seeing the move finalised, hailing the ex-Villarreal man
as a great player who will add significant quality to his squad for the
new season.
"Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us," he said.
"He is a player with good experience at both club and international
level, who will add significant quality to our squad.
"He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally.
"He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Arsenal. We are delighted that he is joining us."
Arsenal are currently in Germany for a pre-season training camp and have been joined by captain Robin van Persie
- a player still subject of intense transfer speculation - as they
prepare to open their Premier League campaign against Sunderland on
August 18.
Source : Goal.com