OPINION
A report from the Sun has surfaced in recent days linking Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey with a swap deal involving Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.
The newspaper claims that the Gunners star, who is in the final year of his contract, could be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer if Unai Emery gets the French sensation in return.
It’s unknown at this time whether Barcelona would entertain such an offer, or if they’re even interested in Ramsey, but whatever their feelings on the matter Arsenal would be wise to avoid this deal.
The Wales international has been locked in talks over a contract extension throughout July, with securing the midfielder’s future said to be a big priority for new boss Emery.
It makes sense for the Gunners to want to keep him, too. Over the past half decade no midfielder has been more important or carried more of a goal threat for the club than Ramsey. He can defend, he can attack, he has the legs to carry him all over the pitch. He can do a little bit of everything, really.
The 27-year-old has such quality that he is being linked with a £30million move to Chelsea despite being in the final year of his contract. £30million just to ensure you secure a player who you could potentially get for nothing in a year’s time.
Arsenal should resist all offers for Ramsey, and make sure they are doing everything they can to keep him an the club. The Gunners have been busy in the transfer window this summer, and hopefully that activity will convince the Welshman of the club’s ambition.
Obviously, if they feel that contract talks are going nowhere and that the player wants to leave the club, then a swap deal like this one would be an ideal resolution.
Dembele is one of the premier young talents in world football. Barcelona signed the France international for an initial £96.8million from Borussia Dortmund last summer. And while the 21-year-old wasn’t as spectacular as some might have hoped in his first season at the Nou Camp, he is still a huge star for the future.
This swap deal should be the last resort for Arsenal, though. Ramsey must be the priority, they have no other midfielders like him. He has been the catalyst for much of the club’s modest success over recent years and they should be doing all they can to keep him in North London.
So while a name like Dembele sounds nice, securing Ramsey’s future would be far sweeter for Gunners supporters.