Atletico Madrid believe they can persuade Arsenal to part with Santi Cazorla this summer.
The Spain midfielder is a long-term target of Diego Simeone and the Argentine hopes this could be the year he lands the 29-year-old.
Cazorla has been an integral member of Arsene Wenger's plans since his arrival from Malaga two years ago.
On the move? Santi Cazorla is a summer transfer target for Atletico Madrid
Working out: Cazorla lifts some weights as he looks to get ready for the new season
But
competition for attacking midfield positions is fierce at Arsenal,
particularly after the £30million arrival of Alexis Sanchez.
In
addition to the Chilean, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas
Podolski and Theo Walcott will all compete to play in positions behind
the central striker next season.
And
Atletico are hopeful that Wenger can be persuaded to part with Cazorla,
despite the fact he only signed a 12-month contract extension earlier
this year.
All smiles: The Arsenal midfielder seemed happy enough during a Gunners training session
The Gunners will not let Cazorla leave cheaply, however, and would demand at least £15m for the diminutive star.
Atletico
are also showing an interest in Gunners left back Nacho Monreal as a
potential replacement for Filipe Luis, who has joined Chelsea.
Monreal joined the Gunners in January 2013 as a replacement for first-choice left back Kieran Gibbs.
But the Spaniard has failed to dislodge Gibbs and has spent much of his time at the club on the bench.
Monreal
expressed concerns to Wenger over his lack of playing time last season,
but his chances of increased playing time next term are unlikely to
improve.
Wanted: Diego Simeone has been a long-term admirer of the Spanish midfielder
Back to Spain? Nacho Monreal has also emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid
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