Friday, 27th July, 2012
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that if Arsenal want to sign winger Santi Cazorla from the Spanish side then a bid much higher than €20M will be needed.
Pellegrini’s men are currently experiencing financial issues despite rich Middle Eastern backers and Arsene Wenger’s Gunners have been widely linked with making an offer of €20M for the 27-year-old.
But for the former Real Madrid coach, that sum would drastically undervalue the Spaniard, a player he is counting on to help the club realise their ambitions in the Champions League, where there is a playoff round to navigate to make the group stage. And that is why it has been turned down.
Pellegrini explained that the Gunners’ bid has been rejected.
"There are always bids for certain players. It is true that we had an offer of €20M for Santi and we rejected it.
"For that money we would be almost giving him away."
And the Chilean is sure that his club’s board will not relent.
"Selling Cazorla for €20M would be for less than his value", mused Pellegrini at a club press conference.
"I do not think that the club intend to do this", he added.
"This would minimise the objective of the club, which is to play in the Champions League. This would send the wrong message."
Cazorla was signed by Malaga just one year ago from Villarreal for €21M.
Last season the Spaniard clocked up 38 appearances in La Liga as a stalwart for the club. He also chipped in with nine goals.
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