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:
5Ramires
- Age: 18
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Club: EC Bahia
- Contract until: 2022
- Estimated market value: £36m
No, not the former Chelsea star. Arsenal are scouting 18-year-old midfielder Ramires of Brazilian club Esporte Clube Bahia, according to the player’s agent.
Sport Witness reported earlier this week that they had spoken to Ramires’ agent, Uéslei, who confirmed that Arsenal had been watching the player. He denied there had been any transfer talks, but that could all change come January and the winter window.
Since then, Bahia vice president Vitor Ferraz has spoken about the rumours, admitting Ramires is indeed being watched. However, he tried to play down the idea that the 18-year-old could be on the move in the near future.
Ramires has already made 12 appearances for the Bahia first team after turning 18 in August. He has two goals and three assists in those matches, including a goal in the last-16 of the Copa Sudamericana.
Ramires is strong at creating chances and taking set pieces, though currently lacking a bit in the air. That’s fairly common for young players though. It was worth Arsenal checking him out if nothing else and we’ll see if that comes to anything.