Aaron Ramsey’s contract is set to come to an end next summer, but the right offer could see the 27-year-old leaving as soon as January, meaning Arsenal need to start looking at replacements.
Contract talks between Arsenal and Ramsey have reportedly come to an end in the last month or so. Although the midfielder is still playing a part for the team on the pitch, it seems inevitable that he’ll soon end his 10-year association with the Gunners.
Let’s have a look at the options linked to replace the Welshman:
2Houssem Aouar
- Age: 20
- Position: Central Midfield
- Club: Villarreal
- Contract until: 2023
- Estimated market value: £31.5m
Arsenal are also tracking Olympique Lyonnais star Houssem Aouar as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsey, according to reports.
The Daily Mail write that Arsenal have been scouting Aouar for the last 18 months, and they consider him someone who could replace the Welshman in North London. The Lyon midfielder’s performances in this season’s Champions League have reportedly particularly caught Unai Emery’s eye.
The Week write that Aouar is ‘near the top’ of Emery’s list of players to sign when Ramsey leaves. Although Chelsea were initially planning to rival Arsenal for the 20-year-old’s signature, they’ve since turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic instead.
Aouar has five goals and four assists in 18 appearances for Lyon this season. He’s mostly playing in central midfield but has also spent some time on the left.
The youngster has also scored in both of his most recent u21 appearances for France. There were rumours that he might get a senior call-up before he picked up a knock immediately before the current international break.
A strong passer who contributes well defensively and counter-attacks impressively, Aouar certainly has the makings of a Ramsey-style midfielder. We’ll see if Arsenal decide to move for him in the next couple of windows.
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