Arsenal: Should myriad of midfielders tell us something?

Arsenal are increasingly being linked to a myriad of central midfielders. Should it be telling us something? Could Aaron Ramsey be on the way out?

As the summer transfer window unfolds, it is possible to anticipate the potential moves that are in the pipeline because of previous moves that are made. Take the arrival of Lucas Torreira at Arsenal as an example.

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Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla were both, in one way or another, allowed to leave the club because they weren’t required — yes, Wilshere chose to leave, but it was due to Unai Emery’s decision that he wasn’t needed, not due to his desire to leave. That was because a midfielder was on their way, that midfielder being Torreira. And leaving the tea leaves currently, there is a very clear and reasonable argument to make that Aaron Ramsey could be about to leave the club.

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The context sets it all up. Ramsey is in the final year of his contract. Talks are reportedly ongoing, though progress is obviously slow as they have been for some time. If he was to reject the new contract on offer, the club would most probably be forced into selling, especially after the debacle with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez this time last year. So there is a very plausible scenario in which Ramsey is sold.

However, this far, there has not been much talk about a potential exit. Few destinations have been rumoured. Almost no interested clubs have been highlighted. It feels as though everyone just expects Ramsey to stay. But are there signs from other transfer rumours that perhaps hint at a different outcome?

In recent days, Arsenal have been increasingly linked with a myriad of different central midfielders. They are apparently asking Sevilla if they are willing to accept a lower fee for Steven N’Zonzi than his £35.6 million release clause. They reportedly intensified discussions with Barcelona regarding a possible move for Andre Gomes. And now they are apparently one of several European teams considering a move for Mexican World Cup star Hector Herrera.

Now, I cannot comment on the validity and accuracy of any of these reports. But the fact that all three suggest that Arsenal are furthering or commencing potential interest in central midfielders after already signing a central midfielder for £26 million does hint at a greater development that is yet to come. Could that be the departure of Ramsey?

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I don’t really know if these rumours mean that Ramsey will be sold. It could well be that one of these players is signed and Ramsey stays anyway. But, in reading between the lines a little, it is not totally reasonable to speculate such an outcome.