Arsenal: Donny van de Beek the perfect Aaron Ramsey replacement

As Arsenal continue their season’s great form, Aaron Ramsey’s loss to Juventus this summer looms larger. Might Ajax’s Donny Van de Beek be the perfect fit?

Aaron Ramsey makes you shudder at the fact that he is leaving Arsenal in nearly every game he takes part in. I have previously detailed possible replacements for him. From Pablo Fornals to Christopher Nkunku and Franck Kessie, the need for someone to take his role is huge. And the player that may well be the perfect option: Donny van de Beek.

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According to Sports Witness, Arsenal are keen on Van de Beek, alongside two of Ajax’s backline. I had mentioned Nicolás Tagliafico a month ago as a relatively cheap means to strengthen the left- back position, while Noussair Mazraoui would similarly aid a shaky backline, but Van de Beek is the prize of this trio without question.

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At still only 22 years of age (it was his birthday this year), his ceiling appears higher than the man he would replace. His creativity, expression, scoring and passing abilities all remind one of a younger Ramsey. Playing on the wonder team of Ajax this season, he has sometimes been overshadowed by the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs De Ligt, David Neres, Hakim Ziyech and even the relative elder statesman, Dusan Tadic.

That a strong, youthful midfielder like Van de Beek could be forgotten in the mix of great talent is a true testament to what Erik ten Hag and Marc Overmars have been able to do at Ajax in building this team over the years through the academy. But make no mistake, Van de Beek is an excellent talent.

His 34th-minute goal to respond to the blazing Christiano Ronaldo header in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Juventus showcased his skill and creativity on the world stage. That Ajax could win at this point seemed questionable; what was without question was the skill possessed by the young Dutchman.

Van de Beek’s deceptive speed and athleticism would fit in the Unai Emery mold perfectly. He has the range to cover vast spaces in the midfield, especially when employed in a high-pressing system. Meanwhile, scoring, passing and defense all too check the boxes for what a Ramsey replacement should consist of.

His age also means that he would be a long-term solution to the midfield. Still, perhaps even greater is the experience garnered while making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this season. Teams generally do not have the luxury or chance to sign a player of such youth, quality and skill who also boasts the experience of reaching such club heights at an early age. Spending extra on youth to bring to the club is a more long-sighted manoeuvre than simply plugging a team’s holes with ageing fixes (see Stephan Lichtsteiner).

Having lost Ramsey for nothing, it becomes even more important to spend for a replacement that is not a quick fix. Compounding the blunder with a shortsighted combing over of the newly created problem would only accentuate the problems.

Van de Beek is the perfect Ramsey replacement. Skillful, similar traits, young, experienced and a long-term solution. It is time to shoot for the moon.