Ramsey was named as one of Emery’s captains for this season (Photo credit: Getty Images/James Willamson)
Aaron Ramsey looks destined to depart Arsenal in January having hit a boulder in negotiations over a new contract with the club. With just 12 months left on his current deal and no signs of the two parties reaching an agreement, Arsenal are expected to offload the midfielder in the coming months in a bid to recuperate some money rather than allow him to go for a free at the end of the campaign.
As the longest-serving player still at the club, the debacle comes as a shock to many Arsenal fans who wanted the match-winner of the 2014 and 2017 FA Cup finals to stay put and help the team reinvent themselves under new management. Yet, the standstill in negotiations will have Premier League sides gearing up for his services. As a proven player in the top flight, albeit an injury prone one lacking in a little consistency, he should have plenty of options to choose from. But which sides appear to suit him the most?
Liverpool
This isn’t the first time Ramsey has been linked with a move to Anfield and you can put your house on it that it won’t be the last. Sitting in the Arsenal midfield, the Wales international’s tendency to press high up the pitch would suit Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style quite well while the German boss has a tendency to turn inconsistent ‘potential’ players into valuable commodities. See Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for details.
Liverpool brought in two midfielders during the summer window but could still use one or two further recruits in order to deal with the rigor of a Premier League title challenge and hopes of sealing Klopp’s first trophy at the club, making Ramsey a strong possibility. With a strong energy and a good return in terms of goals and assists, it wouldn’t be the most surprising transfer but Liverpool will have their work cut out to steal another midfielder from their close rivals.
West Ham
Former-Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere recently completed a move to West Ham and while he’s continued to be plagued by injuries that have stunted what once looked like a promising career, his counterpart would have a brilliant platform for success. Ramsey would walk straight into the Hammers’ midfield, providing creativity and dynamism that was so desperately lacking last season while putting chances on a plate for Yarmolenko and co. in a bid to improve the club’s goal scoring record. Albeit far from the most glamorous of moves, it would allow Ramsey the chance to be the main man in a Pellegrini’s side.
Chelsea
Probably one of his least likely destinations given the strong rivalry between Chelsea and Arsenal, but Maurizio Sarri’s side would also make a strong fit for Ramsey. Danny Drinkwater’s move to London never really panned out and with Mateo Kovacic set to return to Real Madrid at the end of the season, Chelsea will need further midfield options. As stated above, his energy and drive from the heart of the midfield is a trait that Fabregas rarely utilises anymore; sitting and dictating the tempo of the play, the former-Arsenal midfielder plays a much more disciplined role, leaving Ramsey to fulfil a more advanced position and compete with Ross Barkley – a challenge he’d likely win.
