It looks like history is repeating itself concerning transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal's Santi Cazorla and most Gunners fans will be aggrieved to hear that there's renewed interest in their midfield maestro only a year after he signed a three-year contract.

Barcelona have expressed continued interest, but it is Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone who is now the biggest admirer of the Spanish international after having pursued him for most of last summer.

Whilst the Gunners have already claimed they would only consider an "astronomical offer" for the little magician, it may actually be time to cash in.

You may sit up shocked at this claim, with the diminutive Santi coming off the back of arguably his best season for the Gunners. Having numerous outstanding games, he established himself as an industrious terrier in the centre of midfield, while still maintaining his range of passing with both feet and delightful balance.

Often showcasing his cheeky little grin, he had lots to be cheerful about, racking up seven goals and 11 assists whilst playing all but one of Arsenal’s 38 league games. Personal highlights include his disciplined control in the Manchester City win and his commanding performances against West Bromwich Albion home and away. His campaign even culminated in his second successive FA Cup win.

At the end of the season, manager Arsene Wenger said of his midfield gem, “Santi Cazorla played over 50 games and from start to finish he was absolutely top. He had a few games where he was unplayable. I do not look too much at his individual brilliance. He makes the others around him good and that’s an outstanding quality for a midfielder.”

Whilst he spent the second half of the season in a double pivot with Frenchman Francis Coquelin, this is perhaps not his natural position. He was able to average an 89.1% passing accuracy, but was embarrassingly exposed for his woeful tackling on more than a few occasions last season.

With it strongly reported that Southampton general Morgan Schneiderlin is willing to turn down Manchester United’s advances if Arsenal come knocking, maybe Cazorla leaving will convince the Frenchman to make the plunge into the heart of Arsenal’s midfield next season.

Cazorla hinted to FourFourTwo last season that he had thought about life at Atletico Madrid, so he appears open to that particular move. Even if Morgan does not go to the Emirates, it looks like Atleti may be willing to offer someone up in return.

That player is Manchester United and Chelsea target Arda Turan. Having openly flirted with a move to England, it looks like he would love to ply his trade in the Premier League with the lure of capital city London as a home strong. Turan would represent a brilliant signing, especially from under the noses of fierce rivals.

It has been suggested Arsenal will use Santi as a makeweight to move them to the head of the queue for the Turkey International, with money also going into the Atleti coffers.

Let’s be honest, Arsenal have many options in midfield, with Jack Wilshere desperate to prove himself in the deeper position he has excelled in recently for England, and captain Mikel Arteta fit and ready for the coming season. The club will still require a natural defensive midfielder regardless of Cazorla’s club status. Versatile Aaron Ramsey would enjoy a starting central berth and 'the Ox’s' future is still very much viewed as a driving central midfielder.

Let’s not forget Arsene Wenger’s expertise when it comes to selling stars just on the point of decline, and Santi may have reached that cliff with him turning 31 in December.

The tenacious midfielder will no doubt be reluctant to leave North London, but equally he would surely settle in quickly at the heart of Madrid should the transfer take place as suggested.

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