Arsenal Transfer News: Aaron Ramsey Reacts to Barcelona Talk, Latest Rumours

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is focused on Saturday's FA Cup final against Aston Villa, despite reports linking him with a £50 million move to La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners' Wembley date against Tim Sherwood's inconsistent club, the Wales international made it clear he isn't interested in moving to Catalonia, as reported by BBC Sport:

"I'm focusing on the FA Cup so that's what appeals to me at this moment in time. That's just something that's been written in the papers. I'm focused on Arsenal and winning the FA Cup. That sort of news doesn't affect me or even enter my mind," he said.

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A report from the Sun (h/t Jack Lang of the Mirror) links Ramsey to a stunning Gunners exit, perhaps brought on by Xavi's decision to join Qatari club Al Sadd at the end of the season.

Although the Spanish legend's contribution has dwindled over the past couple of years—coinciding with Ramsey's emergence at Arsenal—Barca boss Luis Enrique will be looking for a new leader to help fill the void. 

Ramsey has developed into an important player for Arsene Wenger, who utilises the versatile Welshman in a transitional midfield role. His movement is sharp, he is a keen dribbler and he's proving to be a regular goalscorer for the club.

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The 24-year-old has notched 16 goals and 14 assists in his last 52 Premier League appearances stretching back two years, as recorded by WhoScored.com. This means he offers a telling contribution at least once every other game, helping to link Arsenal's energetic midfield with lone striker Olivier Giroud.

Enrique has added an undeniable combativeness to Barca's play since taking over in the summer, which is defined by the combination of Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in central midfield.

While Busquets has maintained a dictatorial role on the halfway line for years, Rakitic's urgency and willingness to crunch through the opposition makes Barca far more physical than they were under Gerardo Martino. Ramsey is capable of playing possession-based football and getting stuck in, perhaps making him an attractive prospect.

Arsenal to Trigger Martinez Buyout Clause?

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Wenger should be looking to maintain his current squad, while making improvements through the summer.

Tony Banks of the Express believes the Gunners are "closing in" on triggering the £24.7 million buyout clause of Porto striker Jackson Martinez, a player who netted 28 goals across the Portuguese top flight and Champions League during the 2014-15 campaign, per WhoScored.

Porto president Nuno Pinto da Costa suggested Martinez is "a player we want to keep, but we cannot stop someone paying the clause," per Banks. "Jackson went on vacation and so when he returns we will try to renew his deal just like last year."

B/R UK's James McNicholas recently outlined which Arsenal players should leave to land such reinforcements:

Arsenal can confirm a successful season with FA Cup victory on Saturday, adding to their third-place finish in the Premier League.

Keeping Ramsey, and signing stars of Martinez's ilk, is key to the club pushing forward. Too often Wenger's men have been on the brink of dominating England, only to fall short. A successful summer spend could change this.