Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker both look set to extend their Arsenal contracts for another 12 months, after Arsene Wenger revealed their experience is important to maintain balance in the squad.
The pair are currently sidelined through injury right now. Cazorla following Achilles surgery in December, while the club captain sustained a knee injury in pre-season which has seen him yet to play a game this season.
The current contracts expire in June, but the club have an option to extend for 12 months which Wenger seems set to take up.
Asked if the fitness issues will play a part in his decision making, the manager said, “No. We have an option on both of them and I think we will take it.
“For their qualities as football players firstly but as well for their mental guidance.
“We need to have a balance between youth and experience. They are important in that.”
Mertesacker returned to training a couple of weeks ago, but remains a little way from a comeback having picked up a calf issue during his rehab.
“He had a little calf problem,” said Wenger. “He’s on the pitch but not close. He’s still three or four weeks away, not more.”
BFG we all know what it means, but does anybody came out already with SMS ? Small Magic Spaniards… damm I (we) miss him so much ?… that I write stupid things… ? all the best to both & COYG
We all miss both players, are a huge on the pitch and off it. Good news with the extension. #COYG
While I understand having the experience they both bring, should we not be thinking of their successors? Cazorla is 32 and if he has a chronic achilles problem, that’s not a good thing. Per also 32 is 5th choice centre half now. I can’t see how either of them will get a sustained run in the team at any point. We need to look at a complete change this summer if we are to break out of habit of being the “Nearly there” team all the time.
As you point out, we have plenty of options in their positions so it’s not a problem. Cazorla makes the first team when fit and we have multiple options if not. Mertesacker as 4th/5th choice is a brilliant man to have in the squad with the experience he brings. He is a leader in the dressing room and on the training pitch and that is a quality that is very useful to us. Indeed it’s something we lacked in previous years and we bemoaned how other clubs e.g. Manure who kept their older players in the squad to bring that… Read more »
I agree Cazorla would be a regular starter if he was fit, but the sad truth is his fitness record proves he is in decline. What would do, have an aging injury prone midfielder around on yearly rolling contracts and see if his fitness holds out? or seek a replacement. There are plenty of players in midfield areas that can improve us, drive us forward if you will. But a propensity to hang on to and hope that he comes back in and instantly improves us is precisely why we are this type of team. No, we need big changes… Read more »
It’s time we stopped being simply contenders and start delivering.
*Trumpets. And then the drums.*
You ought to make motivational videos, my friend.
Haha.
I really thought that Jack would’ve been SMS’direct replacement but with an extension i dont see that happening.Jack Wilshere needs to come home.
You highly underrate Cazorla in your assumptions. He makes the first team when he’s fit because he’s that good. Double-footed, close control, insanely flexible passing range, great vision too, and experienced in almost every major tournament to boot. What more could you honestly want from an old guard member. Their contracts won’t be renewed after the option, most likely, and they will look for ‘retirement’ contracts in super leagues elsewhere or in the MLS. No need to knock them as if they’re useless artifacts already.
How is this comment voted down. While santi is a brilliant player and the true maestro of this team,he thru no fault of his own is unable to consistently stay in the starting lineup. At 32 it is time to think about life after santi. That is simply being realistic. To say that we have plenty of cover for him is false too. While their are bodies that can be deployed in his spot their is no like for like replacement. It is painfully obviouse that arsenal are a far inferior team without him. They have a difficult time linking… Read more »
sadly what you are saying is true my friend. santi is ageing fast and will not be able to keep his fitness for long period of times and even though we have lot of players who can be played in centre midfield none of them are as capable as santi. but i think wenger has a plan. the reason we are still not in for a centre midfield player is because there are players who can fill santis void, wilshere or zelalem. since the loan moves both wilshere and zelalem have proved that they can play in those positions very… Read more »
I was going to comment but sadly I lost my thought after seeing fucking Preston north end jump out to a 1 nothing lead after making our defense look like children
After watching the first half of the Preston Arsenal match I’m embarrassed and getting the shits of defending arsenal. Chamberlain and Ramsey are just awful. And the defense couldn’t stop my sons under 15 club. But calling Ramsey a good replacement for santi is both laughable and does a huge disservice to santi.
after watching the second half i can say it might just work . ramsey the scored the first goal for us
The thing is Cazorla is still one of the best midfielders in europe despite his age. It will cost us peanuts to keep him 1-2 years compared to what we would have to pay to get a player with similar ability (50 million probably in today’s market) if there is any abailable, so it makes perfect sense even if he doesn’t play all the games. It really isn’t a gamble if we just prepare us for the fact that he won’t play every match. He could be a scholes/Carrick type of player who doesn’t play every match but is important… Read more »
That makes perfect sense. I still think if they want to play that system arsenal will need to find a deep lying playmaker. also santi is no slouch defensively
We have the perfect replacement for santi, unfortunately he is on loan at bournemouth. Come back superjack! As for per he is finished.
Unfortunately jack is a far step down from santi. Similar but not as nearly effective.
Wilshere is more suited to play the CM next to Xhaka imho or CM in a 3-man midfield. He isn’t similar to Cazorla as a player.
Just watched the free kick vs Hull in the fa cup final.
Amazing Santiago can stay until he’s 80 if he wants
Santi is good for another season or two. Worth the extension. It will give us time to bring in new players to eventually add a bit of the dribbling skills he gives. He won’t be always avaialble but we need a senior player who can lead by example. Metersekcer is still good for one season or so. I don’t think as much as Gabriel has improved this season that he is any better than Per. Ditto Mustafi to be honest even if he will eventually be better. No harm extending both of them. It still doesn’t preclude any means that… Read more »
Always got time for Santi. So unique, such a joy to watch.
Per, though? Really? Seem to remember him being a big part of the 2013-14 disgraceful defeats and won’r soon forget the no-look slide tackle red v. Costa and a crap Chelski side. C’mon. Arsenal can do – and already has – better for the present and future with Kos, Mustafi, Gabriel and Holding. Time to turn the page.