As the summer transfer window flies open, rumors about players swirl around like a blustery Chicago day.  While surely a lot of gossip is simply untrue, one story that has been flying around quite a bit over the last month or so is about Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla returning to play in Spain.

Atletico Madrid are thought to have been interested in the midfielder for some time, and now with Arda Turan (one of Atletico’s star midfielders) on the move to Barcelona, the Spanish club is rumored to want Cazorla as the Turkey international’s replacement.  Turan, 28, is moving away from Atletico this summer after spending four seasons in Madrid, and while there was previous talk of a swap deal with the Gunners for Cazorla, the Turkey international has just joined Barca.

The 30-year-old Cazorla spoke last month on the rumors of an Arsenal exit.  “I’m very happy at Arsenal and in the Premier League,” Cazorla told Goal.  “I feel loved and valued by both the team and supporters.  Any news stories about me and Atletico Madrid are false.  Currently I am just focused on Arsenal, I have two more years on my contract here and I hope to complete them.”

Cazorla’s claims will certainly reassure Gunner fans.  The midfielder has been nothing short of outstanding since his arrival to north London in 2012.  During his three seasons with Arsenal, Cazorla has racked up 27 total goals and 39 assists, while also being named Arsenal’s Player of the Season during his first campaign in England.

The maestro midfielder is not only a fan favorite, but is also highly-rated among his teammates.  Superstar Mesut Özil recently praised Cazorla during an interview with the team’s official website.  “Santi’s been very strong,”  Özil said.  “He’s had to adapt to a new position which he may not have always been used to playing in.  I think he’s been excellent this year.  We’re very happy to have a player like him in our ranks.”

“I think we’ll have lots of enjoyment with him over the years because he’s a creative player and it’s a lot of fun for me to play alongside him,” the German international continued.  “It makes it easier for me too because he sees things that some other players may not.  That’s why we’re pleased to have him here.”

With Cazorla being well-liked, talented, and fully settled in north London, now is not the time to take a chance on another player, and disrupting the team’s chemistry in the process.  Cazorla is one of the top midfielders in England at the moment and the Gunners should do their best to keep their core group of players intact for a title push during the 2015/16 campaign.