Wenger Says He Had Doubts Before Signing this Doro Mega Superstar

Arsene Wenger has admitted that it took him so long to sign Santi Cazorla because he had doubts over his ability to cope in the Premier League.

Cazorla joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2012, making himself a fans' favourite in his debut season. He was even crowned the Arsenal Player of the Season some months later.

As we all know, the Spanish international is that kind of person who looks small, just like the biblical David and that was what made Wenger contemplate over his signing. To the Frenchman at that time, signing Cazorla would be an expensive gamble.

“You could question whether he was physically equipped to play in the tough Premier League,” the manager told the club's website. “It's true that I had that doubt, but his quality was so big that I was ready to take that gamble.

“His technical quality, his right foot, left foot, his availability, his vision and the quality of his passing made me go for it.

“I thought, 'If there is a team in the Premier League where he has a chance to make it, it's with us.' That's why I went for it.”

Wenger also revealed ex-Arsenal star, Robert Pires played a vital role in the signing of Santi Cazorla. It was him who persuaded the boss to make that super move which is now paying off.

“I think I first saw him when he was about 20 or 21,” he said. “He was not a regular player, but in some games we watched you could see he had talent.

“After that Robert Pires moved to Villarreal and played with him. Sometimes I asked Robert, ‘Are there any good players there?’

“He said to me straight away, ‘Cazorla is a fantastic player’. So Robert was a scout for me! He at least confirmed the impression I already had about Santi.”