Henrikh Mkhitaryan is similar to Santi Cazorla, claims Arsene Wenger. (PA Wire)

Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be Santi Cazorla’s long-term successor at Arsenal.

After joining from Manchester United in the January transfer window, Mkhitaryan impressed in his first start for the Gunners as he registered three assists in the 5-1 victory over Everton on Saturday.

Cazorla, meanwhile, is still recovering after requiring nine operations to fix a long-term injury to his Achilles tendon.

The 33-year-old has not appeared for Arsenal in over a year but could feature before the end of the season after he was added to Wenger’s Europa League squad last week.

Santi Cazorla has been sidelined for over a year with an Achilles injury. (Getty Images)

When asked about Mkhitaryan being regarded as a replacement for Cazorla, Wenger replied: ‘There’s similarities, yes.

‘I wish [he could take over Cazorla’s role].

‘Santi was an exceptional football player, technically to find Santi [would be difficult].

‘[Mkhitaryan] for sure has the technical level to play in our team.’