Santi Cazorla could rejoin former teammate Mikel Arteta on the sidelines as a coach, but not for a couple of years, according to Guillem Balague.

cazorla arteta sanchez
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: (L-R) Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal pose with the Community Shield. Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2014, in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Only a couple of years younger than Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla is still playing for Villarreal out in Spain. He’s having a great season, scoring 12 goals and assisting seven in 29 games.

Meanwhile, his old teammate is trying to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around as a coach. The fans are obviously in love with Cazorla, and would greatly enjoy seeing him back in North London alongside Arteta.

Guillem Balague told his YouTube channel he asked the 35-year-old about the possibility recently.

“Basically, what may happen, he wants two more years playing. Two more years,” Balague said. “Going back to Arsenal with Arteta is something that I think he will consider as a coach.

“I asked him about it, he said yes, he will consider as a coach when he retires but he wants to play for two more years. I tell you what, Mikel Arteta and Cazorla together, really good friends first of all but really good special minds of football.”

Sadly, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a couple of seasons to make this dream a reality. Maybe in 2022/23, we’ll see the two players back together in Arsenal colours.

Cazorla’s contract with Villarreal expires this summer, so exactly where he’ll spend the next two campaigns is a mystery, for now.