Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey exit would sting the worst of any yet

Arsenal face the undesirable situation of losing Aaron Ramsey in the near future and, given what he can become, nothing would be worse.

Arsenal have had their fair share of “snakes” slither away to rival clubs and find tremendous success. Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie obviously stand out the most, solely for the success they found upon leaving the Gunners.

If you’ll allow me to speculate for a moment, Aaron Ramsey would be the worst of the bunch. Even worse than Fabregas, who I still get angry to see in a blue shirt.

I say this because of what Ramsey is to the club, both as an accomplished player and as one of the players with the most to look forward to. Also, sprinkle in the fact that he has been through so much with the club and built a relationship that I still hope will last.

The primary reason why I fear a Ramsey exit like no one else’s – past, present or future – is simply because you just know that, given Arsenal’s luck, once he leaves (if), he will find himself in a string of good health.

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That’s always been the only problem with Ramsey. His quality on the pitch has never been up for question. Not since his early, early 20s and back then it was brushed off as growing pains and a horrendous leg break.

These days, as long as he is on the pitch, he is making things happen. In the context of a full season, Ramsey would feasibly put up 30 goal contributions. That’s not at all crazy to think about.

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I don’t think Ramsey would go anywhere in England though. I’m not sure where he would want to go that would given him more than what he has at Arsenal. And that is what makes me fear his exit even more. Because Ramsey would end up in Spain or Italy.

Both La Liga and Serie A are far less physical than the Premier League and they rely heavily on passing and movement. Ramsey is superb at these facets of the game, and take out that physical aspect and you reduce the risk of injury.

When Ramsey was first linked to Barcelona, I knew what would happen if he left. He’d be a stalwart in their three-midfielder set up. He embodies what that club loves to have in a midfielder.

That’s what I fear. Not having to see him in a rival kit or having to watch him win a Premier League trophy elsewhere. I fear seeing just how much better he could potentially be when you take him out of the haphazard Arsenal set up and put him somewhere like Juventus or Barca.

Maybe fear isn’t the best word. I’d still be happy for him if it was out of the country. I guess “sting” is the better word. Having to always imagine what things could have been.

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Of course, nothing is done. He may stay put yet.