Santi Cazorla, the Spanish international midfielder, who spent last season plying his trade with with the nuevo ricos from the Costa del Sol, Malaga, has set his heart on playing for Manchester City.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kiki Musampa, Cazorla understands that before he realises his dream he must serve his Premier League apprenticeship at Arsenal.
Speaking on the southern radio station Miguel Maus he said:
"The prospect of playing in the Premier League for a team in blue and white and with a middle east-based owner would be a dream come true. I have enjoyed a taste of this in the sunshine state of Andalusia, but feel that the rainier climes of North West England would be more suited to my game."
When questioned further by the commentator he added:
"I understand that in order to progress to Manchester City I must first endure a season or two playing for Arsenal in London and the prospect of winning trophies there is perhaps somewhat less than it is at Malaga, but I do view this as a positive step in the right direction."
Cazorla is likely to pen a three-year contract with the Gunners with a view to move north at the end of the second year. His close friend Mikel Arteta told him:
"Look at Clichy, Nasri, even Adebayor and possibly van Persie - they all made the move from yesterday's club to the dynasty of tomorrow. You could be next, Santi."
Cazorla was seen yesterday in the Ryanair priority boarding queue at the Aeropuerto Pablo Ruiz Picasso, his destination uncertain.
A spokesperson from the Etihad said:
"This is fantastic news. Cazorla has been on our radar since he was eight and it is further evidence of the co-operation that we enjoy with our London Development Club that they are prepared to groom and school this wonderful footballer for life in the Premier League before he makes the step he really wants."
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