Arsenal Reportedly Considering Piotr Zielinski as Aaron Ramsey Replacement
Arsenal manager Unai Emery reportedly wants Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski to come in for Aaron Ramsey, if the Welshman opts to leave the Gunners.
Italian outlet Sport Mediaset (h/t Liam Prenderville of the Mirror) reported Emery will chase the Poland international, with Ramsey eligible to leave the club on a free transfer as his contract expires in the summer. Ramsey has been linked with a switch to Liverpool, as Arsenal prepare for life without the attacking midfielder.
Chris Wheatley of Goal reported talks between Ramsey and Arsenal have collapsed, with neither party able to agree on fresh terms.
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Ramsey was a stellar performer under legendary coach Arsene Wenger, but it appears Emery is preparing to let the player walk for free. The Gunners could sell the Wales international in January in order to recoup a fee, but the player could financially benefit by digging his heels in and seeing out his contract.
Dominic Fifield of the Guardian (h/t the Daily Star's Mark Taylor) explained Ramsey was in a strong position to increase his wages.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement, Fifield said:
"Yes he is, because if he resists being sold in January then he'll command a higher wage at his next club. That's the reality of it.
"I guess he might find his opportunities at Arsenal to play in the second half of the season, if he's still there, more limited than he would like, but he's still a player whose pedigree and quality is very obvious.
"He is a consistent performer in a team where people like Mesut Ozil aren't consistent, so whoever brings him in knows what they are getting from him."
Ramsey was voted as player of the season by Arsenal supporters last term, and it would be a strange decision to let the talent leave at this stage of Emery's tenure.
The Welshman is indoctrinated in the ways of the football club, and at 27, he has his best years ahead of him.
Zielinski is a burgeoning talent in Italy, and he will attract serious interest when the January window opens.
The 24-year-old is reportedly in talks over a new deal with the Naples club, with Liverpool and Chelsea monitoring his availability.
According to to Calciomercato, Zielinski's current release clause is set at €65 million (£57 million), but Napoli are keen to increase this to €150 million (£133 million) if the Polish star pens a new contract.
Zielinski possesses Ramsey's positional flexibility, and he's arguably the bigger talent in the current market.
However, the player is not a prolific finisher, and Ramsey would provide a better goal return over the course of a season.
Ramsey remains a vital cog at Arsenal, and he is a seasoned professional in the Premier League. Despite suffering with injuries, he remains a valuable asset, and he adds leadership qualities to a Gunners squad that sorely needs experienced heads.
