Villarreal confirm Santi Cazorla exit as he looks set to return to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s coach

SANTI CAZORLA is set to leave Villarreal with the Spanish playmaker expecting to play his last game for the club this weekend.

The former Arsenal star, 35, is yet to decide on where he’ll be plying his trade next season, whether it be as a player or a coach. 

But the diminutive midfielder has been linked with a possible Emirates return, working as a coach for Mikel Arteta. 

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Other rumoured options include a potential megabucks move to Qatari side Al Sadd, according to the Metro. 

Cazorla has experienced a resurgence during his second spell at Villareal, recovering from injury issues that plagued the later stages of his time at Arsenal. 

The Gunners' fan favourite has made 34 appearances for the fifth-placed La Liga giants this term, scoring 11 times and providing nine assists. 

Talks concerning a lucrative switch to play for Al Sadd next season, which would involve the former Spain star working as a player-coach under Xavi, are believed to be at an advanced stage. 

Cazorla is set to play his final Villarreal match on Sunday, along with teammate Bruno Soriano whose career at the side is also coming to an end. 

Their team will take on Eibar who are currently 13th in La Liga. 

In a video posted by the club Cazorla said:  “Villarreal have given me everything. 

“At the age of 18, they opted to sign a boy from Oviedo who knew no-one. 

“I am proud to be able to finish my career with Bruno. 

“I hope that, as happened with my previous farewell match, it will be a “see you later.