Santi Cazorla to Atletico Madrid: Arsenal midfielder hints at exit

The Spain international will consider his future after the World Cup

(GETTY IMAGES)

Santi Cazorla’s future at Arsenal is increasingly looking in doubt after the midfielder appeared to hint at a move to Atletico Madrid.

The 29-year-old, who joined the club from Malaga in 2012 for a fee of £16.5m, has said he will not consider his future until after the World Cup, although an interview with Spanish newspaper AS suggests that future may be away from north London.

“When the World Cup is over, I’ll start thinking about my situation,” he explained. “I don’t want to be thinking about it right now and I’ve told my agents not to tell me anything if an offer comes in.”

“But I know a few of the Atlético players – Koke, Juanfran and I know the side well from when I was playing the Spanish league but until the tournament is over, I won’t know if the rumours are true or not.”

The 29-year-old, who is paid £80,000-a-week, was voted Arsenal’s player of the season in 2012/13 and signed an extension to his contract in March which is due to keep him at the club until 2017.

Although he struggled to find the same form this season, the midfielder still scored seven goals in 47 appearances for the Gunners including a stunning free kick against Hull City in the FA Cup final last month.

Cazorla, who is part of Spain’s 23-man squad at the World Cup, will be hoping to play some part in turning around his country’s fortunes after their shock 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands on Friday.

Spain play Chile in Rio de Janeiro tomorrow evening in what looks like a must win game if they are to keep their chances of qualifying from Group B alive.