Wenger unconcerned by reports linking Cazorla with Atletico move
Arsene Wenger says he is not worried about reports linking Santi Cazorla with a return to Spain in the summer.
Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague claimed this week that La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are confident of signing Cazorla at the end of the season.
That would be a huge loss for Arsenal given the midfielder's form, which earned him the PFA Fans' Player of the Month award for December and January.
But Cazorla signed a new contract in March last year, and speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace Arsene Wenger said: ""Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well.
"He extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go.
"You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there.
"The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him."
The Spain international's form in a deeper position has helped Arsenal cope with injuries to Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere this season.
Wilshere could return to the Gunners squad on Saturday after three months out with an ankle injury.
The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 22.
Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, during which he made some unwanted headlines off the pitch after being photographed holding a shisha pipe at a nightclub.
"Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back," said Wenger.
"It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected).
"That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle.
"It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem."
Wenger, though, added: "No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes."
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be considered for this weekend and Wenger described Ramsey as being "10 days away".
Arsenal will be up against a Palace side who have changed their manager since losing at the Emirates on the season's opening day, and new man Alan Pardew has won five of his eight games in charge.
"They have found confidence again and have got positive results with their new management," said Wenger, who added he was happy to see his former player Marouane Chamakh thriving in south London.
