SANTI CAZORLA

One of the most consistent players in the Spanish league, Cazorla joined Arsenal in the summer of 2012 as Malaga faced financial problems that saw the player sold off to cut costs.

Cazorla began his career in the youth teams of Oviedo before signing for Villarreal CF ahead of his 18th birthday. Initially used in the reserve team in 2002 he made his first-team debut a year later and quickly established himself in the side.

A goalless season in 2006 saw him marginalised and he opted to move to Recreativo de Huelva, although a clause in his contract stated that he could return to the Yellow Submarines for €1.2 million - a clause that was put into effect just a year later.

One of the surprise names in the victorious 23-man Spain squad for Euro 2008, Cazorla benefited from the fine form that helped Villarreal claim an impressive runners-up finish in the Spanish league this season and continued to impress over the next few years at the club.

Indeed, Cazorla attracted the attention of newly-rich Malaga who paid €21 million for him in 2011, before their financial issues sent the rumour mill into overdrive with Arsenal the team to win his signature.

Strengths: Consistent and versatile enough to play as a winger, centrally or even as a holding midfielder.

Weaknesses: Should score more goals for a player of his skill and has yet to reach double figures in a season.

Career high: Lifting the Euro 2008 trophy after a fine season in which he scored six goals for his club; he also claimed the Spanish Player of the Year in 2007.

Career low: A year of goal drought and poor form saw him leave for Recreativo de Huelva in 2006.

Style: Consistent, versatile, confident, an all-round midfielder of class.

Quotes: “I cannot talk about the actual situation but I can say that I know him as a player really well. And he’s a top, top player. He has got unbelievable quality and talent and that is all I can say.” Mikel Arteta, July 2012.

Trivia: Cazorla shares his name with the southern town of Cazorla which boasts the largest protected park in Spain.