• Premier League

Cazorla calls for immediate reinforcements

ESPN staff
August 20, 2012
Santi Cazorla wants to see additions to the Arsenal squad © Getty Images
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Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla believes the club need to bring in replacements for Robin van Persie and Alex Song before the transfer window closes.

Cazorla made his debut for the Gunners on Saturday, as the north London club were held to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland in front of their own fans. Immediately after the game it was announced that defensive midfielder Alex Song was to be sold to Barcelona, joining talismanic striker Van Persie in departing the club - the Dutchman having completed his move to Manchester United last week.

Cazorla believes that, ideally, both players need to be replaced before the window shuts until January.

"It's clear that Van Persie is a great player and obviously we would all have preferred it if he had stayed. Song has gone as well and there are still 10 days left in the transfer market," Cazorla said, according to the Daily Star.

"I do not know if we will sign anyone but obviously it's important to replace players like that because they were so important for the team."

Arsenal are widely expected to complete the loan signing of midfielder Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid in the next few days, but Cazorla noted that drafting in another striker would also help the cause.

While happy with his debut display, the £16 million Spaniard rued his side's lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

"It felt really good making my debut," he said. "Of course, it was not the result any of us wanted, but we had chances and we did well.

"It's a long season, so we can build on this. I had one chance and so did a few of my colleagues and that was the key to the game. We had complete control but that final step just eluded us."

Manager Arsene Wenger preferred to look on the positives from the game with Sunderland, saying he had little doubt that the deal for Cazorla will prove to be a steal.

"He played very well and looks like he could be one of the buys of the season," Wenger said. "He has everything you want in the game. He can play short, he can play long, on the right or left, he can play the final ball and works hard as well. He is a fighter so it is very positive for us.

"[He settled quickly and] that shows people who say you need to play a long time together. Great players do not need a long time [to settle]."

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