5 potential replacements for Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal

#1 Pablo Fornals (Villarreal)

Fornals could be the midfield lynchpin Arsenal has been looking for

Probably the best choice to replace Ramsey, the young Spaniard offers something similar to what the Welshman. However, it would come with the added advantage of intelligent play from midfield. This is something the Gunners have missed since Santi Carzola’s unfortunate run of injuries started.

Adept at ghosting forward to get into scoring positions a la Ramsey, Fornals already offers a level of distribution that the Welshman offers. His brilliant range of passing; long or short has seen him assist at a better rate than the man he could be replaced; 14 in 57 games for Villarreal compared to 60 in 341 games for Arsenal (Ramsey).

Capable of sitting back, his ability to press, dribbling to move the ball out of tight positions and intelligent use of the ball could see him offer better midfield services than Ramsey ever did.

He is one of the new breeds of “chaotic” Spanish midfielders. These are players who combine the traditional Spanish midfield strengths of passing, intelligence, and technique with a propensity for doing the unusual (see his majestic goal against Athletic Bilbao earlier this season).

He was bought for €12m for Malaga but may not cost the Gunners more than €35m were they to move for him.