Star drops exit hint as Arsenal return talk gathers serious pace
Aaron Ramsey was the star of the show as Wales beat Turkey to take a giant step towards the Euro 2020 knockout stages, and the former Arsenal man has hinted that he could be on the move this summer.
The Juventus star’s brilliant touch and finish from an exquisite Gareth Bale ball gave his side the lead in Baku. Aside from the goal, Ramsey was instrumental throughout as he rolled back the years with a vintage display in a massive win for Wales.
The 30-year-old has struggled to earn a regular starting spot since making the move to Turin in 2019. To that end, there has been constant speculation about his future.
Speaking before the tournament Ramsey appeared to perform a bit of a U-turn over his Juve future.
When he was asked if he would be returning to Turin after the Euros, Ramsey said: “Yeah, I’m a Juventus player.”
But in recent days, he admitted he wants “a place where I can feel good again”, seemingly opening the door to return to Arsenal.
“The last two seasons at Juventus have been very difficult, frustrating, not just from a physical point of view. I want a place where I can feel good again,” said Ramsey.
“There have been many factors and changes that I haven’t been used to.
Transfer Chatter - Liverpool in for Sweden forward, Chelsea's verbal agreement with full-back and Wolves chasing ex-Atletico striker
Jurgen Klopp is monitoring a 17-goal Swedish international, Chelsea have a verbal agreement with one of the world's most exciting full-backs and Wolves toying with approaching free agent, all in today's transfer chatter.
“So, I take it into my own hands and have the right people around me to try to come up with the best possible plan to get myself back into a place where I am feeling good and confident again.
“The Welsh staff and medical team have been brilliant, they have been open for discussions and it’s important to all be on the same page.
“I have known a lot of the Welsh staff for a long time from my Arsenal days as well. They understand me, they know my body and they know what I need.”
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Campbell wants Ramsey return
Speaking after his display in Baku, Gunners legend Sol Campbell suggested that Ramsey “might take a little return to north London” to explore the prospect of a return to his old club.
Campbell told talkSPORT: “Aaron Ramsey makes amazing runs. The timings are to perfection, it’s incredible. He’s got a knack of getting in there.
“You need those players who can get in there. You need those guys who can smell, ‘something’s opening up here’.
“Turkey were playing three at the back, so Ramsey was just waiting for that gap and [Gareth] Bale found him for the first goal. He’s very intelligent with those runs.
“He has been working hard, he’s making great runs. He’s a top, top class player. Maybe he’s in the shop window!
“He might take a little return to north London and see what’s happening at Arsenal – you never know.”
At this stage, it’s unclear whether Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would be prepared to hand Ramsey a lifeline.
However, the Gunners chief is looking to upgrade his midfield. And there’s no doubt that a goalscoring midfielder of Ramsey’s quality may be too good to turn down.
READ MORE: £30m wiped off fee as as Arsenal steamroll towards perfect, hassle-free transfer