Aaron Ramsey of Juventus looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group G stage match between FC Barcelona and Juventus. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato (h/t ESPN), Leeds United are hoping to win the race to sign Aaron Ramsey from Juventus in January. The attacking midfielder has struggled for game-time under Massimiliano Allegri this season and could be heading for the exit door.
The Welsh international spent a long time at the Emirates and developed under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. After making 371 appearances for the Gunners, he decided to make the switch to Italy in the summer of 2019. He has suffered injuries along the way and is currently also out of action. However, he could now seal a move away from Turin.
Should Ramsey leave Juventus in January? And would this be a good signing for Marcelo Bielsa?
Since joining the Old Lady two seasons ago, Ramsey has racked up 70 appearances. His roles changed under both Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo, which could be the reason for his inconsistency at the Serie A club. However, he was always a delightful player in the Premier League and flourished under Wenger during his 11 years in England.
Leeds could use a player like the Welshman in their ranks. Marcelo Bielsa won a lot of plaudits last season for guiding the Peacocks to a top-half finish in the Premier League, given that it was their first season back in the big time after 16 years. Several players cut it under him, most of all, Patrick Bamford.
The Englishman contributed to 25 goals last season and led the line brilliantly. However, he suffered an injury at the start of the season, and the Midlands club suffered without him. They are currently only 6 points above the relegation zone. Although the striker recently made his return from injury, Bielsa would be smart to get in reinforcements that can contribute to goals in his absence as well.
Anyone who has followed Ramsey’s stints at Arsenal and Juventus can attest to the claim that he has excelled playing as a midfielder that makes runs forward, often complimenting the attacking line in the final third of the pitch.
Adam Forshaw has played well for the Whites this season but is out of contract in the summer. If he does leave, it will leave only Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips, and 22-year-old Jamie Shackleton as the out-and-out central midfielders at the club. Leeds have played in a 3-man midfield this season and will need depth in their ranks if they continue to do so.
The 30-year-old playmaker has the experience and the know-how of the Premier League to knit this Leeds team’s midfield and attack together. Thus, the former Arsenal ace could be a helping hand in this area of the pitch as well. But there is a catch.
The Italian club is ready to offload the midfielder to make space for another signing. So, the former Arsenal is certainly on the market, but Leeds are not eyeing a permanent move and instead want him on loan in January. Newcastle United and Everton. meanwhile, are looking to seal a permanent move for the Welshman.
The Toon Army now possess the financial might to sign the best players after their recent takeover. Everton will also be looking to make additions to the squad to stave off relegation this season. It is unlikely that Juventus will send the player out on a loan deal if they can churn out a profit by selling him permanently, as evidenced by the claim that they need to make space in midfield for another signing.
The playmaker still has a few years in him, and he might be able to become the difference for Leeds as they look to stay in the top flight next season. And if they can sign him on loan in January, it would be a smart addition to the squad in the short term considering Bielsa could use some urgent reinforcements in his team’s battle to survive the drop this season.
