Arsenal Midfielder Santi Cazorla Dismisses Atletico Madrid Link

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has quashed speculation regarding a potential move to Atletico Madrid.

Cazorla's future has become increasingly unclear following an uncertain 2013/14 campaign and the signings of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

The Spanish international, who played in two of his country's three World Cup group matches in Brazil, has two years remaining on his Arsenal contract but has repeated his desire to remain in north London.

"I've seen that in the papers, but nobody has told me anything personally and the only things I know are from the papers, so I don't know anything," Cazorla said.

"I'm only focused on training here and preparing well playing with Arsenal. It's [reports of a move to Atletico Madrid] paper talk. I'm well, I have the confidence of everybody, the support of the fans and we hope to have a good season."

The former Villarreal and Malaga player said in June: "I'm very happy at Arsenal, I've got two more years here on my contract. Arsenal is great for me. I'm happy to be here at the moment and focus on that.

"I always try to give my best on and off the pitch. I'm a happy guy, I'm a funny guy. I try to bring a good mood into the changing rooms on and off the pitch and that is what I will continue to do this year."

The 29-year-old netted in the FA Cup final victory over Hull City to help end Arsenal's nine-year trophy drought before kick-starting his campaign with the opening goal in the FA Community Shield win over Manchester City.

The addition of Sanchez and Calum Chambers, as well as the return to fitness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere means Arsenal are overstaffed with midfielders at the start of the new term.

Manager Arsene Wenger has constantly hailed Cazorla as an important member of his squad but is likely to implement a rotation policy this season as the club fight on four fronts.

Atletico's link with Cazorla had come as a result of several high-profile departures including Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Adrian, with the club looking to reinvest funds from the trio's sale to assist in retaining their la Liga title.