Arsenal’s hopes of securing the transfer of Malaga star Santi Cazorla hit a block after Manuel Pellegrini revealed that the club is not willing to let the Spanish midfielder leave for cheap.
The 27 year old has been recently in the midst of news linking him with a move to Arsenal but the Malaga coach laughed off suggestions that the Spaniard would be available for 20m. Cazorla moved from cash strapped Villareal to high spenders Malaga last summer for a fee close to what Arsenal are offering them and instantly became a hit guiding them to Champions League qualification.
Arsene Wenger is a firm admirer of the midfielder and lavished praise on him in a recent interview calling him a ‘great player’. However, if Le Professor would be tempted into spend big on the player remains to be seen.
Pellegrini ruled out selling him for £15m since that would be very unlikely of a side who are supposed to participate in the Champions League next season.
“There is an offer, they say, for Santi Cazorla,” he said.
“To sell him for €20 million would be to give him away. I don’t think the club intends to do that.
“I’ve talked a lot with [vice-president] Abdullah Ghubn and with the Sheikh and this would not be representative of their mentality. It would send out the wrong signal ahead of our Champions League campaign.
“If significant offers come in for players they are worthy of consideration, but I don’t think Santi will be leaving for €20 million.”