Arsenal identify Malaga midfielder as Santi Cazorla’s replacement

Whether or not there’s an overhaul in the Arsenal dugout this summer remains to be seen – but one thing which does look likely is a revamped squad. And that overhaul could begin with Malaga midfielder Pablo Fornals.

The youngster has reportedly been earmarked as the long-term replacement for Santi Cazorla, who at 32 years old could struggle to rediscover his best form following a horrific six months (and counting) out with injury.

And it isn’t hard to see why the 21-year-old has found himself on the Gunners’ radar.

He’s netted six times and provided three assists this season, and there’s no doubt he has the hallmarks of a big game player.

The Castellon de la Plana native provided the assist for Malaga’s winning goal against Barcelona last month, as well as netting in the 4-2 victory over Sevilla last weekend.

With a good range of long-distance passing and boundless energy, there’s little doubt he’d be a valuable acquisition for the Gunners – if the deal goes through.

Fornals could also be available at something of a snip, with Transfermarkt.co.uk estimating the player’s market value at £4.25m. And there’s little doubt he’d find a move to a club of Arsenal’s size too tough to turn down.

For the current Gunners squad, the focus is on trying to make some ground on fifth-placed Manchester United, who visit the Emirates this weekend.

There’s 10/11 on offer for Wenger’s men to enjoy victory, while there’s 16/1 about Arsenal repeating last season’s 3-0 rout of the Red Devils here.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing