- Arsenal surely need to strengthen in midfield after the latest Santi Cazorla injury blow
- The Spain international has been sorely missed in the Gunners’ squad for the last year
- Arsenal have been linked with Leon Goretzka and should also consider other options
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Arsenal will be devastated to learn of the latest injury blow to Santi Cazorla, with the Spaniard confirming via his Twitter that he was set for a further delay to his return to action.
Cazorla has been a big miss for the Gunners since his injury over a year ago now, and he’s admitted he’s had to undergo surgery again as the wait continues for his comeback.
Arsene Wenger should probably already have done more to strengthen in that part of the pitch, but this latest blow surely means new additions will come in before too long.
Of course, Arsenal are not known for spending their way out of trouble and are often patient with their injured stars, with the likes of Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky continuing at the club for many years despite barely playing.
Hopefully, Wenger won’t go down that route again, so here’s a look at five realistic signings he should be targeting to fill Cazorla’s boots…
Leon Goretzka
MORE: Arsenal transfer news
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal may already be thinking about strengthening in midfield as Wenger eyes Schalke contract rebel Leon Goretzka.
The 22-year-old looks a big talent after shining for club and country in recent times, showing that he could be a creative force for many top sides around Europe.
Arsenal may face plenty of competition for Goretzka’s signature, but if they could snap up the Germany international on a free transfer, he seems the ideal player to be a long-term replacement for Cazorla.
Ivan Rakitic
Diario Gol recently linked Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic with Manchester United, while Don Balon followed that up by saying the Croatian could consider leaving the Nou Camp if they bring in Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.
While there is yet to be reported interest from Arsenal, Rakitic could be available in the near future and looks another top passer who could fit in perfectly in Wenger’s side.
Rakitic also has the experience of winning major honours at Barca and could certainly go a long way to ensuring Arsenal don’t miss Cazorla too much.