Arsene Wenger made some incredible signings during his 22-year spell in charge of Arsenal, and some settled more quickly than others.
Whilst arguably his greatest ever buy in Thierry Henry actually took some time to adjust to life in North London, others hit the ground running as soon as they arrived.
The archetypal Wenger player was one fans would enjoy watching at their creative, free-flowing best, with technical skill in abundance, and very few players epitomised this more than Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla.
Cazorla quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates for his exceptional skill with both feet, and his magnificent technical ability stood out at a time when Arsenal needed inspiration.
Santi Cazorla injected new life into Arsenal when he arrived
The summer of 2012 was one of change as Arsene Wenger found himself under increasing pressure. Robin van Persie left the club in controversial circumstances, joining rivals Manchester United and hitting out at the executives for a lack of ambition.
Alex Song had also joined Barcelona, a year after Cesc Fabregas forced his way to the Camp Nou, and Wenger needed new life in the team on a limited budget, with Jack Wilshere also absent with a long-term injury.
An opportunity then arose when La Liga side Malaga underwent financial troubles despite competing in the Champions League. Their all-star squad had to be decimated, and Cazorla, who was already a notable Spain International, was available for just under £15m.
Wenger snapped up the diminutive midfielder, and at a time when fans were still reeling from the loss of their star players, a new one had arrived to amaze everyone at Arsenal.
Wojciech Szczesny revealed Arsenal squad reaction to Santi Cazorla arrival
Speaking to Polish YouTube channel Foot Truck back in 2019, former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has been linked with a sensational return, explained just how amazed the squad was when Cazorla trained with them for the first time.
“We were at a training camp in Cologne, Germany when Santi joined us. In the first training session, we played small games. After training, the guys gave Arsene a round of applause for signing Cazorla,” Szczesny revealed.
“Slow, small, but one of the best I’ve played with. He has an unbelievable mind and technique. I can’t tell what was his best asset, but you played with him and were like, ‘Oh my God, he’s so good.’
Not only was Cazorla an outstandingly gifted footballer, but he had an infectious character which spread to his teammates as well as his fans.
“Lovable, friendly, always smiling. I’m not wanting to insult him but he did have a tendency to gain weight!” Szczesny added.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s best-ever Arsenal teammate
Cazorla was a joy to watch at his best, with his incredible footwork and vision helping Wenger build a side which would win three FA Cups in four years after going nine years without any silverware, and he is still fondly remembered at the club over six years after he departed.