Why Arsenal Must Resist All Offers for Aaron Ramsey in the Transfer Window

Potential buyers should back off: Aaron Ramsey is going nowhere. According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Ramsey, and there are increasing whispers that they may mount a bid for the Welshman this summer.

The obvious obstacle of Barca’s transfer embargo aside, Arsenal should not even consider negotiating for the Welshman’s services: He is a vital part of both Arsenal’s present and their future.

That sentiment is echoed by Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who should know a thing or two about moving to Camp Nou. He told Welsh news outlet Wales Online (h/t the Express):

"

I went when I was getting to a certain age where I didn’t know how much I had left in the tank and I had seen other players leave Arsenal.

It is not an easy club to say no to but Aaron is still young and hopefully he can win a title at Arsenal because as a Gooner I don’t want to see him leave especially, when I can see him maturing as a player and the future looking bright for him.

"

Ramsey was outstanding in the FA Cup final win over Aston Villa. Although playing in an unfamiliar role on the right-hand side of midfield, his sheer energy made it seem as if he was covering three positions at any one time. Villa’s Jack Grealish was squeezed out of the game by Ramsey’s tireless support of full-back Hector Bellerin, while he also regularly broke forward and might have finished the game with a couple of goals had his customary composure not deserted him on the Wembley turf.

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In the long term, Ramsey’s future is surely in the centre of the pitch. Although his Freddie Ljungberg-esque runs from the right are a constant source of danger, his best position is as a box-to-box midfielder. With Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard both departing the Premier League this summer, Ramsey could well step up to become the division’s dominant goalscoring midfielder.

Arsene Wenger still has to solve the conundrum of how to fit Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere into the team. As problems go, it’s a fun one to have.

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Fortunately, it seems the player is prepared to be patient while Wenger moves the pieces around. Outwardly, he seems utterly committed to the club. Asked on the eve of the FA Cup final if Barcelona’s mooted interest was tempting, he replied, per the BBC:

"

No, not at this time. 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.

"

That will be music to the ears of the Arsenal fans. Ramsey is probably mindful of the debt he owes to Arsenal and Wenger after they stuck by him during his rehabilitation from a broken leg. The Gunners will be grateful for his continued loyalty; Ramsey remains an integral part of their plans for next season.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and follows the club from a London base. Follow him on Twitter here.