”We Don’t Have Winning Mentality” Cazorla

Arsenal are searching for answers after Santi Cazorla questioned his side’s mentality while admitting he is plotting his Emirates exit strategy.

In an interview with Abu Dhabi-based Sport 360 the Spaniard provided a frank assessment of the Gunners.

He said: ‘We haven’t got a winning mentality and we have to believe in ourselves (more). Sometimes you can get used to not fighting, but we can’t do that.’

Cazorla also urged Arsenal to spend heavily on revamping the squad this summer, and also admitted he will look to leave if he is not convinced they can compete for trophies.

‘Arsenal has everything to win. History, infrastructure, an incredible stadium and great players,’ he said.

‘But we have to improve and sign the best players because if you don’t do that, you may lag behind.

‘That is what makes it different at other clubs. You’ve a good example in Manchester City who signed Fernandinho, (Alvaro) Negredo; or even Manchester United with (Robin) Van Persie and (Juan) Mata.

‘Arsenal know what they need next season, but it’s almost impossible to win a title if we haven’t got these kind of things.

‘I want titles and that is why I came to Arsenal. We’ve gone many years without winning one.

‘If not, what I’ll look for in my next destination is to have the chance to win. I don’t want to close doors, but at the moment I’ve a contract with Arsenal for two more seasons.

‘When I turn 31, I’ll evaluate myself and I’ll choose the best option. In which case, I would be delighted to go back to Spain.’

The quotes attributed to Cazorla were met with surprise among Arsenal chiefs yesterday. The club usually grant permission for all one-on-one interviews, though Arsenal officials were not aware of the Cazorla piece until it hit the public domain.

And the club are trying to get to establish the accuracy of Cazorla’s comments before manager Arsene Wenger is asked about them this morning when he speaks ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Wigan.

In the same interview, Cazorla, 29, revealed the Gunners are interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas; casting more doubt on Wojciech Szczesny’s future.

Casillas could leave the Bernabeu this season and Cazorla said: ‘I’ve told him I would like him to join Arsenal, but so far he has just been curious about my experience in England.

‘His situation is very complicated, but he has to make a decision. Lots of clubs want him, including Arsenal, but it would be very difficult to leave Real Madrid because of what the club represents.’

Despite the fact Szczesny signed a new five-year deal earlier this season, Wenger is monitoring the goalkeeping position.