Santi Cazorla responds to Arsenal return rumour amid sporting director and coaching role talk

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Santi Cazorla returned to the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Friday evening. 

The Spanish midfielder last played for Arsenal back in 2016, before suffering a horror injury which kept him out of action until he left the club in 2018. 

Santi Cazorla, now 40-years-old, is still playing football, representing Oviedo in the Spanish second tier.

The midfielder is still very fondly remembered at Arsenal, and it is hoped by many that he might return to North London when he does decide to finally hang up his boots.

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Santi Cazorla opens up about potential Arsenal return

There have been rumours that Cazorla might be offered a coaching role at Arsenal for some time. 

On top of that, the Gunners are also seeking to replace Edu Gaspar, following his resignation as sporting director.

Cazorla has indicated that he would take the Arsenal sporting director vacancy, though it remains to be seen if the club would be willing to appoint such an untested figure in that role. 

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video (27/12/2024, 19:47), Cazorla once again outlined his stance on returning to Arsenal in the future in some capacity.

He said: “Why not? This is my home as well, I love this club, I love these people… I don’t know, I’ll have to think about that. Something in football for sure because it’s what I love but we’ll see in the future.”

Why Mikel Arteta wants Cazorla back at Arsenal

Whilst it is unknown what kind of role Cazorla might be offered at Arsenal, it is a fact that Mikel Arteta has a huge amount affection and respect for this former teammate. 

Arteta and Cazorla struck up a close friendship as Arsenal players, and the manager would surely be keen to be reunited with his former midfield partner on the touchline at the Emirates Stadium. 

Many in the current Arsenal squad could certainly learn a great deal from Cazorla, too. The two-footed playmaker is extraordinarily technically gifted, and was capable of producing moments of magic for the Gunners.

He will have gained a great deal of valuable experience across his 180 appearances for Arsenal that he could pass on to the current squad.