According to reports from The Express this afternoon, Atletico Madrid are targeting Arsenal star Santi Cazorla as a potential replacement for Arda Turan.
The Spain international’s Gunners career has found a new lease of life since his transition to central midfield last season, starting with his Man of the Match display during a 2-0 win over Manchester City in January.
But his Emirates contract is set to expire in 2017 and now 30 years of age, the north London outfit could be tempted to sell this summer.
Diego Simeone is a known admirer of Cazorla – revealing as such during an interview with radio station Cadena Cope in February – and acording to The Express, the expected departure of Arda Turan has revived the Atletico Madrid gaffer’s interest in the former Villarreal and Malaga midfielder.
Agent Ahmet Bulut revealed the Turkey skipper’s intentions to leave Vincente Calderon last week, claiming to be in talks with ‘three teams…the best in English and European football’, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United believed to be the clubs in question.
Barcelona have also emerged as potential suitors of the 28 year-old, whose contract includes a £29million release clause.