Mikel Arteta is yet to hold talks with former midfielder Santi Cazorla about a coaching role at Arsenal, but has refused to rule out the Spaniard returning one day.
Cazorla spent six seasons at Arsenal from 2012 to 2018 and in that time he established himself as a fan favourite.
Upon leaving Emirates Stadium, the 35-year-old returned to Villarreal and he has battled through a serious Achilles problem to finish this season with 15 goals in all competitions.
Cazorla is now leaving Villarreal to join Qatari club Al Sadd, though he has also been linked with a return to Arsenal as a coach in the future.
When asked if he had discussions about such a role, Arteta said: “Not yet.”
And the Spaniard remained coy on the prospect of Cazorla returning one day, adding: “My opinion of Santi cannot be any higher.
“Personally, first, with the type of person he is and what he brings to that dressing room, but then also as a player for what he did throughout his career. About the coaching role and the future? We will see what happens.
“Right now, he's just finished [at Villarreal] so let him enjoy that moment and we'll see what happens in the future.”
