It’s time to talk some transfer rumors, as the January window is now open for business. In this article we focus on the Arsenal FC midfield, with rumors swirling around both Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil.
After assuming the managerial position in May, Unai Emery did a midfield makeover in the summer transfer window, and it looks like Ramsey is ultimately not going to be part for his grand plan. The signs have been pointing to a Ramsey exit for quite some time, as the player said he believed an extension had been agreed in October, only to see the club make a u-turn.
With his contract expiring in the summer, he’s now available on a free, but where will he land?
Juventus sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is a very big fan, saying of Ramsey: “He’s a great player, we really like him and he plays for a great team. His contract is expiring and we’re always alerted to situations the market offers.”
For now, Juve seems to be the front-runner, and this is something we’ve known since the November international break. However, he’s also been linked to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Domestically, the tabloids have mentioned his name in connection to Liverpool and Manchester United, with the English international saying he would be open to a move to a fellow big six rival.
While Ramsey seems to be eventually headed for the door, another Arsenal player on just about every publication’s “players most likely to transfer in January” list, Mesut Ozil, is seemingly staying put.
Ozil’s agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut, says the attacking midfielder is committed to the north London side and plans to stay beyond his current deal, which runs all the way until 2021.
“I would prefer not to speak publicly about Mesut’s situation, but given the recent speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal, I do feel it is important to provide some clarity so we can end this and focus on football,” he said in an interview with Goal.
“Mesut signed a new contract last January because he saw his future at Arsenal and nothing has changed in his mind. He wants to stay for the duration of that contract and maybe even longer.
“Mesut is 100 per cent committed to Arsenal Football Club. He loves the club, shares its values and does not want to be anywhere else.”
“He is proud to wear the shirt and honored to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch. He takes his responsibilities – including being selected as one of the captains this season – very seriously and has a great relationship with his team-mates, the staff and fans.”
Ozil has apparently fallen out of favor under Emery, as he’s more often finding himself on the bench when healthy these days. The German’s salary, £350,000-a-week is definitely a road block to finding potential buyers for him.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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