Santi Cazorla in contact with Arsenal over two possible transfer targets

Arsenal have consulted former player Santi Cazorla on two of his Villareal teammates, defender Pau Torres and winger Samuel Chukwueze.

The Spaniard spent six years in north London, and is now helping out his old club out in the transfer market.

Centre-back Torres has previously been linked with a move to Manchester City. The left-footed defender earned his first cap for Spain in a friendly against Malta in November.

The Gunners also sought Cazorla’s advice on promising 20-year-old Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, who is being chased by City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

When asked whether getting calls from English clubs about his teammates is a regular occurrence, Cazorla told Marca: ‘Yes, friends from Arsenal especially.

‘They ask me about them and think they can make the jump to the Premiership tomorrow.

‘It’s good that great teams are interested in young players from Villarreal, but for the moment I tell them to leave them alone here.

‘They still have to take steps forward. They both have a great personality, and their feet are on the ground.

‘In Pau’s [Torres] case he hears constant talk of City or Barcelona, but he is aware that he has to keep growing as a player and that in the future we will see where he can go.’

Arsenal are also on high alert over the availability of RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, the French defender is yet to sign a new contract at the Bundesliga club, meaning he could leave in the summer for around £50million.