According to a report by The Sun, AS Roma star Patrik Schick could be on the verge of joining Arsenal. The report states that the Gunners could sell Aaron Ramsey to the Italian outfit in a swap deal that would see Schick moving to the Emirates.
Following weeks of speculation, Arsenal withdrew their offer of a renewed contract to the Welsh midfielder (h/t The Sun). And with his current deal set to expire in the summer, a swap deal with Roma does look like a tantalizing option.
Losing Ramsey would undoubtedly be a major blow for the Gunners. The Welshman has played an integral role for the Londoners for the longest time now and he has been instrumental to a lot of their successes in the modern era.
But all good things come to an end and it certainly looks like Ramsey’s time at Arsenal is going down that road. However, if they receive a young star like Schick in exchange, will the deal be worth it?
The 22-year-old has not featured much for the Italian club and has just played 273 minutes so far. In fact, he has started just two games for Roma.
Clearly, he is struggling for game time right now and a move to Arsenal could be just what he needs to restart his career. That said, Schick is a forward and Ramsey is a midfielder, meaning he would be far from a replacement.
Furthermore, Arsenal have the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Danny Welbeck – all of whom can work wonders up front.
But Welbeck recently succumbed to an ankle injury and underwent surgery for the same, leaving Lacazette and Aubameyang as options for the striker’s role. However, even with two players for that role, it is safe to suggest that Schick would not receive adequate game time at Arsenal.
Unai Emery has brought about numerous changes at the club and he has improved the team’s attack as well. Both Lacazette and Aubameyang have thrived under his guidance.
Hence, in such a situation, it seems highly unlikely for Schick to play regularly at Arsenal. But to be fair, he is not doing that at Roma either.
Signing him would be an excellent long-term prospect for the club and if guided in the right direction, the Czech star could go on to become a prolific striker. However, regardless of whether or not the swap deal goes through, the Gunners must prioritize signing a replacement for Ramsey.
