According to reports from Italy (via the Metro), Juventus and AC Milan are currently keeping tabs on Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla.

Santi Cazorla was signed by Arsenal from Malaga back in the summer of 2012 and the midfielder has proven to be a very crucial player for the Gunners since his arrival.

The versatile Spaniard was used an attacking role early on in his Arsenal career but following the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, he has successfully transitioned into a midfield player who dictates the play for the Gunners.

As a testament to Cazorla’s importance to Arsenal, many believe that the North London side’s title challenge faltered last season after he endured a long term injury midway through the campaign and fans were certainly happy to see the Spanish international back in action this term.

Following an encouraging start, Cazorla once again has suffered an injury to his Achilles and it is a mystery as to when the midfielder will return back to full fitness, with even manager Arsene Wenger stating that he is in the dark regarding the situation.

Wenger said ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against PSG, “At the moment I’ve given up on that. I don’t know how far he (Cazorla) is. He looks to me that he’s making progress, but as long as the player is not in full-time training you can’t set targets.

“It’s not a big injury, it’s not one that will harm his future, it’s an inflammation at the back of his Achilles. And with inflammation it’s always hard to tell. My gut feelings is two weeks, but after two weeks it takes another two weeks of training to get back to full fitness.”

Cazorla heading for an exit from Arsenal?

Perhaps due to his recent injury problems as well as advancing years, Arsenal have not yet awarded Cazorla an extension to his current deal which expires in this summer and understandably, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the former Villarreal star.

A few clubs have been linked with a move for Cazorla and now according to reports emerging out of Italy, claims are being made that Italian duo Juventus and AC Milan are currently monitoring the situation of the 31-year-old.

Both Juventus and AC Milan are believed to be keen admirers of Cazorla and the two teams are hopeful of sealing a deal for the midfielder on a free transfer if he is unable to agree terms with Arsenal.

While Cazorla may be entering the twilight of his career, there are very few players who can control the game in the brilliant manner at which the Spaniard does and Arsenal would perhaps be better served keeping hold of the diminutive genius for a couple more years.