Can this Arsenal midfielder solve our transfer requirements?
By James Fudge
![MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 03: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final second leg match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal FC at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on May 3, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 03: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final second leg match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal FC at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on May 3, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bc47306d6ff9b6ce7555b4046ee4403e8c873461e93a0b9db1dcb34caec49732.jpg)
Manchester City’s pursuit of Jorginho failed through near completion and ever since the club has been linked to a number of midfielders in the press.
Thiago Alcantara, Miralem Pjanić and Mateo Kovacic were the reported targets but there has been no movement in terms of a signing in the one position that Pep Guardiola needs quality reinforcements.
David Silva has stated he is unlikely to extend his contract past 2020, while Fernandinho at 33 is likely to have limited experiences at the top in the coming two seasons.
One person has been muted in connection to the club and will be available to sign for a cut-price at his market value now or on a free deal when the season ends. That person is Arsenal midfielder, Aaron Ramsey.
The Welshman is a forward-thinking player who has been probably Arsenal’s best player in a poor team in the last two seasons. He creates opportunities and is driving his team forward at every opportunity, a poor mans David Silva.
More likely to be a potential replacement for the Spaniard rather than the Brazilian, as Ramsey’s defensive qualities and tracking back are little on the worrying side. Under Arsene Wenger, many teams including Manchester City, played through Arsenal’s midfield with ease.
Unai Emery is a more tactically astute and positional organised manager, who is likely to bring the best out of the Gunners this year round.
The manager has stated when he joined he was going to building the team around the midfielder and Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang. He has wished the new potential Arsenal captain will sign a new deal rather than later.
"“Aaron is an important player for us, and the contract is one thing for the club and the player. For me, I want him to stay with us, to work with us, to give the team the big performance. I think he is going to stay here with us.” – Arsenal manager, Unai Emery."
Following the Alexis Sanchez transfer saga, Arsenal know they are in a strong position. The City hierarchy don’t have masses of money to spend and have a maximum figure in mind for their targets. Even though they may miss out on the targets, Tixi Bergstein is unwilling to pay more than the value they will be getting.
They stood firm on the Jorginho and Riyad Mahrez deals, with a £60 million price looking good for a Premier League winner and one of the European based great wingers. In the current market, that seems like a good deal considering Richarlison went to Everton for £40 million and Fabinho for £45 million.
Arsenal will hope Ramsey clears his future up in the next six months to avoid attracting the interest of rivals and European clubs. The ‘vultures’ will be circling and I imagine Manchester City will be at the front of the Ramsey’s wishlist should they continue their dominance under Pep this season and the club express an interest.
The downside of signing Ramsey would be Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz’s development is likely to be hindered. Come the 2020/21 season, one of the youngsters will likely be Silva’s replacement in the starting eleven and any imminent signing, especially Ramsey, in that mould will prevent the youth products from getting game time.
Next. City get their first win in International Champions Cup. dark
A player that fits Fernandinho will be required as the next signing but limited options are available. With the transfer window closing prior to the season starting, Cityzens are unlikely to add to their squad prior to 17:00 on 9 August.