6 Relatively cheaper options that can replace Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal 

Aaron Ramsey looks all set to leave next summer
Aaron Ramsey looks all set to leave next summer

The decision of Arsenal to let Aaron Ramsey's contract run down has generated much controversy and debate from fans and pundits all over the world. Despite his very professional performances in the Premier League and other competitions, the decision makers have stood by their decision of withdrawing the contract offer from the table.

Ramsey will not have a shortage of suitors because he is a top player. Teams like Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG have already been linked with a move for the Welsh international.

However, after his Arsenal exit, he will have to be replaced with a player of quality and one suited to Emery's philosophy. Here's a look at 6 players Arsenal could sign to replace Aaron Ramsey:


#1 Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot is in a similar situation to Ramsey
Adrien Rabiot is in a similar situation to Ramsey

Rumours linking Adrien Rabiot to Arsenal have persisted for three years or more. It was reported that Arsene Wenger would use his French connections to lure the young midfielder to the Emirates. The legendary Gunners boss could not achieve that and PSG have since retained their man.

Unai Emery was then rumoured to be bringing Rabiot along with him to the Emirates. This did not also happen despite all the pleas and welcome messages Gunners fans sent the French international on social media.

It has now been reported that contract talks between PSG and Rabiot have broken down completely. This breakdown in talks has led the club to indefinitely bench the player.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have decided to let Ramsey go on a free transfer. An exchange of Rabiot and Ramsey seems like a deal made in heaven but only time can tell if it will happen.

Rabiot was reportedly wanted by Barcelona in the summer but PSG rejected their advances. The Catalan giants have bought the likes of Vidal and Arthur, but may still be interested in a move for Rabiot. However, reports suggest that Arsenal and other PL clubs are still in the running for him.

Rabiot would bring agility, pace, technical ability and quality to the Arsenal midfield. There is also the advantage of the fact that he has already played under Emery so he knows what the Arsenal boss demands from his players. A world-class central midfielder on a free transfer: it doesn't get much better than that.

#2 Denis Suarez

Denis has struggled for gametime at Barcelona
Denis has struggled for gametime at Barcelona

Denis Suarez, like the man he could replace, is a midfielder capable of playing further forward or in a central midfield position. At 24 years, he represents an investment for the future and could come at a relatively cheap price.

The Spanish midfielder started his career as a youth player at Celta Vigo. He eventually moved on to Manchester City in 2011 and was awarded their young player of the year in 2012.

A move to Barcelona followed, where he only featured in the B team, before a largely unproductive loan spell at Sevilla. It was at Villareal that the Spaniard truly showed his potential and got himself a return to Barcelona.

This season has seemed a considerable reduction in game time for Denis Suarez because of the acquisition of Arthur, Arturo Vidal and Philippe Coutinho.

Denis Suarez would be a good addition to the Gunners and would add pace, creativity and skill to the side. He could be played as a number ten, on the flanks or in the centre of midfield.

Barcelona and Villarreal adapt a similar passing and pressing philosophy to Unai Emery. His football education at Barcelona, Sevilla and Villareal will help him quickly adapt to Emery's philosophy. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old still has youth and time to adapt himself to whatever Unai Emery requires of him.

The Gunners can reportedly buy Denis Suarez for a cut-price of £14m.

#3 Andre Gomes

Andre Gomes has showcased his talent in the Premier League this season
Andre Gomes has showcased his talent in the Premier League this season

Andre Gomes is the other player on this list with affiliation to Barcelona. He is currently on loan at Everton and has been rated by many pundits as one of the signings of the season as a result of his impressive performances.

Gomes began his career with the Benfica B team and after some impressive appearances, he was promoted to the first team. He helped his team to a treble during the 2003/ 2004 season.

Gomes has since played for Valencia, Barcelona and is currently on loan at Everton F.C. A move to Arsenal will represent a major step in the career of the Portuguese international and could see him fully realise his potential.

Unlike Ramsey, Gomes is not known for his late surges into the box or even for being able to play further forward. He is a proper central midfielder who takes care of the ball properly and can pick a pass. He can add agility and creativity to the Gunners midfield.

The Gunners can reportedly sign him for £25m.

#4 Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves has adapted well to the rigours of the Premier League
Ruben Neves has adapted well to the rigours of the Premier League

Ruben Neves is a 21-year-old Portuguese international that currently plies his trade for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

He began his career at F.C Porto and eventually became the youngest ever player to captain a side in the Champions League. He was surprisingly sold to Wolves in 2017 and helped them win the EFL championship and promotion to the Premier league in 2018.

In his only season in the second tier of English football, he went home with a hattrick of individual awards; EFL's Player of the Season, Player's Player of the Season and Goal of the Season accolades.

His Premier League has begun impressively and has helped Wolves in their march to avoid relegation this season. Neves is known for his excellent passing, spectacular passing range, set-piece prowess and his ability to score from outside the box.

The Portuguese man represents a younger, more versatile replacement for Aaron Ramsey. He is not known for late runs into the box or any of the other attacking instincts Ramsey possesses but he brings quality on the ball and grit to the central midfield.

The Gunners may not succeed to get the Wolves man in January but a fee of £30 million should seal the deal in the summer.

#5 Miguel Almiron

Miguel Almiron is somewhat of an unknown quantity
Miguel Almiron is somewhat of an unknown quantity

Miguel Almiron is a 24-year-old Paraguayan midfielder who plies his trade for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is an attacking midfielder that can replace Ramsey as a 10 in his new role under Emery this season.

Miguel Almiron along with club compatriot, Josef Martinez and ex-Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino guided Atlanta United to their maiden MLS cup title in just their second season in existence. Almiron racked up 13 goals and 16 assists on Atlanta's road to MLS Cup glory.

The Paraguayan began his career with Club Cerro Porteño in Paraguay. He went on to play for Club Atlético Lanús in the Argentine first division. In December 2016, Amion signed with Atlanta United where he currently plays.

Miguel Almiron may take a while to adapt to English football having not played in Europe before. However, when he adapts to the league he can turn into an invaluable asset for Emery's team.

Almiron is a skilful player who is composed on the ball and very good at pressing. His dribbling ability and reading of the game are his biggest strengths. He can play directly behind a striker or on any flank.

Almiron as a replacement for Ramsey is a big gamble. However, if he comes good then Arsenal would have another great player in their ranks. With more experience, fine tuning and proper coaching, Miguel Almiron could very much be world class.

Almiron will reportedly cost the Gunners in the region of £25m - £35m.

#6 Pablo Fornals

The youngster has quickly established himself in the Villareal team
The youngster has quickly established himself in the Villareal team

Pablo Fornals has been linked with Arsenal in the last two transfer windows. The Spanish born midfielder plies his trade with Villareal and has quickly developed into one of the best players of the Yellow Submarine.

Fornals began his career at Spanish club, Malaga and moved on to Villareal in 2017. At Villareal, his stock has risen quickly and has seen him establish himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

The 22-year-old is a very versatile midfielder and is more of a like for like replacement for Ramsey than any other players on this list. His long-range passing, shooting and killer passes are his biggest virtues.

Fornals would probably need a period to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League but there is no reason why he can't slot seamlessly into the Arsenal midfield.

The Gunners have reportedly been told that Fornals will be sold for €40m or £36m.

After more than 350 appearances Arsenal would be losing one of their best players of the last decade on a free transfer. It is only imperative that he is replaced by another top quality player like those on this list.

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Edited by Debjyoti Samanta