Santi Cazorla believes it would be a mistake for Arsenal to sell Hector Bellerin claiming his young Spanish compatriot is the club’s right back of the future.
Last week, Arsene Wenger expressed surprise that the defender’s future at the Emirates is in doubt, dismissing suggestions the Gunners might be open to negotiations with mooted suitors Barcelona and Manchester City.
That standpoint is shared by Cazorla who praised Bellerin’s potential to be a star at international level.
“It is clear that Hector is the right-back of the future,” Cazorla told IBTimes UK.
“You could see in the victory over Swansea how good he is. He was all over the place and never stopped running.
“For Arsenal it would be a mistake to let him go. It is obvious that many teams want him. There has been talk about Manchester City and Barcelona.
“He is a player with great potential and I am sure he will also be a key part of the future of the Spanish national team.”
Cazorla also touched on his own future, reaffirming that he’s happy at Arsenal now that he’s back fit and playing.
The 31-year-old will be out of contract in the summer although Arseblog News understands Arsenal have a clause allowing them to auto-activate a further season should they wish to keep the tricky midfielder.
“In my case I will finish my contract at the end of the season but I’m not thinking about it now,” he said. “I’m just focusing on playing and giving my best on the pitch.
“Last season was very difficult for me after spending so much time on the sidelines. Now I just want to enjoy myself again – and we’ll see what happens in the future.
“I’m happy because I’m playing regularly. If I didn’t play I would tell you that I would consider leaving, but I’m having minutes and I have the confidence of the manager. That’s what every player wants.
“Since the very first day at this club I have had the affection of the fans, and that is amazing. I have only words of gratitude to the fans of Arsenal for how they’ve treated me from day one, and I try to repay them by giving my best on the pitch.”
Can we stop Santi from getting any older? He has to stay here for 10 more years
Love both these amigos. I think Cazorla could do a Pirlo and play on to his mid 30’s, he’s definitely a player that can be a valuable squad asset for the next few years. As for Hector, there isn’t a Gooner that wouldn’t have him here for his whole career. Hopefully these two sign da ting along with Özil and Alexis.
Now you say it I actually agree. I believe we’ll eventually move to a Xhaka and Coq midfield pairing especially if AW sees Xhaka in that deep lying play maker role. Simillar to Arteta, Caz has to be kept around, even if purely for certain games
Santi will go down as one of my favourite ever players to watch. A wonderful player and seems like a lovely person.
Cazorla to stay another 10 years, no?
you speak spanglish , no?
Exactly 19 thumbs up. Santi’s number
ohhh Santi Cazorla!!!!
Not one ‘no?’.
These quotes are obviously made up. I thought you were better than this, Hound.
When Santi is enjoying his football the world is a brighter place.
Just needs to find those scoring boots again.
tie bellerin down! as important as ozil and sanchez!!
That fa cup final free kick! forever grateful
I’ve just had to watch the highlights of that cup final – tingles, goosebumps and memories of the how crazy the pub I was in got!
Amazing !
Santi just do it……