Forgotten midfielder confirms Arsenal contract

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla had apparently put pen to paper on a new one-year deal prior to his multiple operations on an Achilles problem.

The Spain international is currently on a long recovery route after having suffered an infection during the initial surgery.

Cazorla, 32, revealed that he has undergone eight operations on his recurrent injury, the latest of them being earlier in the week.

The former Malaga man had been sorely missed following his breakdown during a Champions League clash against Ludogorets in October, and it was not until Wenger chose for a new formation, did the Gunners find the right combination in midfield.

In an interview with Cadena Cope, Cazorla heaped praise on the manager for showing faith in his abilities, and he is hopeful of making a mark with the club in the future.

"They were very good to me, they renewed me before my operation, the manager talked to me and gave me peace of mind," he told Cadena Cope.

"It’s been a difficult season since I have not played since November. I’ve been through surgery eight times.

"I had the last one yesterday, and hopefully everything will go well."

Cazorla had been termed as the orchestrator of the Gunners' attack prior to his injury, and the latest setback could see him up to four months of first-team football.

Former Gunner Abou Diaby suffered a similar pattern during his long but unsuccessful career with Arsenal, and the Gunners will hope that Cazorla makes a swift recovery to feature for the club again.

In the absence of Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey has stepped up at the heart of the midfield with Wenger offering him the freedom to make his tireless runs into the box.