Latest reports suggest that negotiations for a contract extension have progressed well between Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal Football Club. An agreement could not be reached when Arsene Wenger was at the charge but with Unai Emery taking over from the Frenchman, the Gunners could potentially keep Ramsey beyond the summer of 2019.
It would be a massive boost for the Arsenal faithful see their scoring midfielder spend his prime footballing years with the club. Ramsey has been a loyal servant of the side for over a decade now with 331 appearances, 59 goals and 57 assists registered to his name.
He contributed with 11 goals last term and also set up 12 assists to help the side to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. His injury history is a bit concerning but that does not discount his impact for the team when fielded from the central areas.
Ramsey has almost added a different dynamic to the box-to-box midfield role over the years. The quick flicks, the penetrating runs behind the opposition defence and the spectacular finishes are what separates the Welshman from the rest of the herd. He is one of those magical components who can dazzle the audience with very limited touches on the ball.
He can play behind the striker as well as from deep positions. If required he can fill the space on the wings as well given his craftiness with the ball. The 27-year-old now will be able to express his best self with the solid defensive presence of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira behind him.
Unai Emery might just be laying down his midfield trio by signing the Welshman to a long-term deal. Xhaka has recently extended his contract till the summer of 2023 and Arsenal are close to announcing the £26m switch of Uruguayan midfielder, Torreira from Sampdoria.
With Jack Wilshere also renouncing his rights to a new contract after being denied a starting spot under Emery, Ramsey almost has no one to compete within the first team. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil can fill in from the wide areas and Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are defensive options who will be considered sporadically.
Emery is ready to take the side to new heights after previous season’s disappointing 6th place finish in the Premier League. Setting up the midfield will go a long way in implementing his best attacking front, something the Gunners are well known for.
