Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal return for 'trustworthy' former teammate

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that he would be interested in bringing former teammate Santi Cazorla back to the Emirates Stadium.

After joining the Gunners in 2012, Cazorla spent six years in North London making 180 appearances for the club. Towards the end of his stint at the club, the midfielder spent significant time on the sidelines due to ankle surgery and was eventually released on a free.

At 39, Cazorla still plies his trade in his native Spain currently representing Real Oviedo in the Spanish second tier. It has been expected for some time that the midfielder will soon be calling time on his playing career and Arteta has confirmed the door is open for him to come back.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta said: "Depending on the role [he could return]. You know my sympathy for Santi.

"We used to get on really, really well. I think he had an unbelievable energy that, as a coaching staff to have someone like that, that can trust with his knowledge, and his energy as well to the team. I think it’s going to be valid."

Cazorla has also expressed his desire to return to the Premier League club. In January 2023, he told The Athletic that he misses Arsenal 'every single day' and added: "If I have the possibility to come back, I will be back.

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"I don’t know which position in the club, as a coach or sports director. But of course, I would like to come back in the future."