Cazorla was on the verge of heading to the Bernabeu before Wenger came calling.
One of the best signings of the 2012/13 campaign was Arsenal’s purchase of Santi Cazorla from Malaga, as the midfielder went onto play every Premier League match for the club that term.
The 28-year-old was voted the side’s Player of the Year as well after receiving over 50% of the votes and has become a firm favourite with the fans for a positive and happy demeanor.
Yet the Gunners almost missed out on the Spain international, as before Arsene Wenger convinced Cazorla to come to north London, Real Madrid were chasing the attacking midfielder.
“Yes, there was an opportunity [to go to Madrid],” the Spaniard was quoted by talkSPORT.
“But in football, every day the negotiation changes. And in the end there was no possibility to go to Madrid. But it’s no problem for me now.”
When it became apparent Wenger was interested in the then Malaga player, Cazorla consulted team-mates of past and present to get an idea of what life at the Emirates Stadium was like.
The midfield ace played with Robert Pires at Villarreal and still plays alongside Cesc Fabregas for the national team – both legends of the player’s current club.
It was the words of advice from the duo that helped convince Cazorla that Arsenal was the right destination.
“I spoke with them both when Arsenal came to me, and their opinions were very important,” Cazorla continues.
“Fabregas spoke with me and told me it’s a top club with a great history and maybe you can win trophies there.”
Of course the midfielder is yet to win any silverware at the Emirates as yet, but with Wenger’s men currently top of the Premier League and with record signing Mesut Ozil at their disposal, it could well be their year.
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