Santi Cazorla says friends from Arsenal have called him about two Villarreal team-mates

The former Arsenal midfielder believes the pair would be better staying where they are right now.

Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla says friends from the Emirates Stadium have called him about signing two of his current Villarreal team-mates.

Speaking to Marca, Cazorla namechecked Pau Torres and Samuel Chukwueze but feels their development would be best served staying where they are right now.

When asked if he has been asked about Pau or Chukweeze, Cazorla said: “Yes, friends from Arsenal especially. They ask me about them and think they can make the jump to the Premier League 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.”

TBR’s View – Arteta laying the groundwork now to make Arsenal more attractive in the summer

The way Arsenal were drifting under Unai Emery would have made it less likely that top talent would want to make that move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta hasn’t brought about a dramatic improvement in results but he is laying down the groundwork for a clearer identity based on passing football.

That should make Arsenal more attractive to new signings, although it will be qualification for the Champions League which really makes that jump and the Gunners are staring down the barrel of a fourth straight season outside Europe’s elite competition.

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