Does Xhaka signing mean Ramsey’s days are numbered?
It’s such an amazing feeling to have a new signing tied up so early in the transfer window. Xhaka became the third most expensive player in Arsenal history after this week’s announcement. Having spent so much money to sign him, he is undoubtedly going to be first choice in the Gunners midfield next year. Keeping in mind how indispensable Ozil has become to the team, it practically leaves only one vacant space in the central midfield triangle.
Had Santi Cazorla not been injured last year, he would have been competing with Ozil for the Player of the Year award. Even though he is turning 32 this year, he still possesses skills and tricks to get out off difficult positions and register fantstic assists. The other options are Francis Coquelin, Mohammed Elneny, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and any other Academy graduate who breaks into the first team this year.
Francis Coquelin will have a major role to play next year in big games supporting the Arsenal defence, and currently has no like for like replacement in the team. Mohammed Elneny has performed admirably since joining in January and it would be difficult for Arsene Wenger to justify dropping him. His determination and industry are qualities that few other Arsenal players can match. Jack Wilshere has always been Arsene’s favourite player and is bound to start whenever Wenger can accommodate him in the side. Also we cannot rule out progression of Academy players into the team just like Alex iwobi did this year.
All this leads us to the question about Aaron Ramsey’s position in the team. He had a breakaway season a few years back which give us the hope that we could build a team around him. However, he has done little worth noting since then. Injuries have played their part, however it also feel that Arsene Wenger’s immense support has made him complacent. He hasn’t shown the drive of late and had numerous forgettable performances last year. If he wants to play regularly it maybe an opportune time for him to start searching for a new club. There was rumours that Barcelona are interested in him and it would possibly be the best situation for all parties if they, or any other top club, actually buy him.
What are your thoughts fellow Gunners?
Nayan Parakh