Ramsey to seal move to Juve in January?

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is reportedly close to joining Italian giants Juventus this winter transfer window, with the Welshman set to sign a pre-contract to then move to Turin in the upcoming summer.

The 28-year-old was being chased from all over Europe, from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain to German juggernauts Bayern Munich. However, he appears to have set his sights on an Italian challenge and linking up with one Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Rumours of Ramsey’s imminent departure to Turin have been rife for the past few weeks, especially after Juventus Sporting Director Fabio Paratici publicly declared their interest in the midfielder. It is unclear at the minute whether Arsenal will look to cash in on Ramsey this window, or risk losing him for free in the summer. However, one thing now seems certain, and that is that the man from Caerphilly will not be at the Emirates come the start of the 19/20 season.

Ramsey would face stiff competition in Turin

A concern for Ramsey will be the vast levels of competition he will face at The Old Lady. Juventus, notorious for strength in depth, are currently very well stocked in the midfield department. Bosnian Miralem Pjanić, World-Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, one time Arsenal target Sami Khedira and former Liverpool man Emre Can all stand in front of Ramsey and a place in the first team. Breaking into this starting XI may prove to be the biggest challenge the Welshman has faced in his career thus far.

Ramsey has typically excelled when positioned just off the striker (see Wales’ run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals where he was impeccable alongside Gareth Bale), and the thought of Ramsey lining up behind Ronaldo with Douglas Costa and Paulo Dybala on either side is certainly an intriguing one.

Would Welshman adapt to Italian style?

Ramsey has the technical ability, eye for goal and intricate link-up play to excite fans of Juve. But, what would be a concern is Ramsey’s tendency to overcomplicate things, and in the Italian league, known for tight defences and a reserved style of football, he may not get the space or time to perform such manoeuvres.

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Ramsey’s impending departure also leaves Arsenal light in the midfield department. The likes of Mattéo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have taken to the Premier League like a moth to the flame under Unai Emery thus far this season but are both more defensively minded that the outgoing Ramsey. And with doubts lingering over the future of Mesut Özil, Arsenal need to consider some attack-minded midfield options.

Chelsea recently completed the signing of American international Cristian Pulisic, who would have been an ideal replacement for the Gunners. However, another option who could excel for the Gunners playing just off the front line is West Ham man Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian has been a pivotal figure for the Hammers, and could be the bridge between defence and attack the Gunners will require when Ramsey’s impending departure is confirmed.