• Premier League

Cazorla links up with Arsenal for medical

ESPN staff
August 7, 2012
Santi Cazorla is set to leave Malaga as they look to ease their financial troubles © PA Photos
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Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has passed a medical and joined up with Arsenal at their pre-season training camp in Germany ahead of completing a £15 million move from Malaga.

The Spanish club's financial problems have delayed the deal being finalised but Cazorla is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Gunners this week.

In the meantime, Malaga have given the 27-year-old special permission to train with his new team-mates and is on course to make his Arsenal debut in Sunday's friendly against Cologne.

Cazorla joined Malaga just 12 months ago for €19 million, and the playmaker's performances in guiding the club to fourth spot in La Liga and a Champions League qualifying position should have increased his value even further.

However, last week Malaga released a statement via the club website claiming that a period of "internal financial restructuring" was required to meet UEFA's incoming Financial Fair Play regulations, meaning Cazorla is available at a cut-price.

Cazorla could soon be joined at the Emirates by another La Liga-based midfielder, with Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin seemingly set to arrive on loan for the 2012-13 season. Jose Mourinho has said the Turkey international is free to leave the Bernabeu.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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