According to The Metro, Aaron Ramsey is being linked with a move away from Arsenal after contract negotiations have broken down. After spending a decade at the club, the Welshman is keen on seeking greener pastures with Liverpool in pole position (h/t The Metro). If that happens, Arsenal must find a suitable replacement for the versatile midfielder.
According to The Sun, Unai Emery has assessed his options and the prime candidate to replace the Welsh midfielder is Poland playmaker Piotr Zielinski. Should Ramsey decide to run out his contract till next summer and become a free agent, Arsenal must brace themselves by launching a bid for the Napoli man, who is valued at £58million.
The Polish international is known to be quite versatile on and off the ball. His work rate and ability to press could help him work wonders under Unai Emery since he expects a high work ethic with no room for complacency.
Zielinski can pick out a pass, drive forward with the ball and also play a deep-lying role if required. His primary role should be to ensure the gap between the attack and the defence isn’t too far apart. His ability to work as a playmaker makes him diverse and quite similar to Ramsey.
In addition, he gives the team a certain compactness. Should Zielinski sign for the Gunners, his presence could give freedom to the likes of Mesut Özil and Granit Xhaka to be more aggressive while going forward.
However, since his move to Napoli, the Polish star has been playing a slightly more defensive left-winger role. His ability to draw in defenders and beat them is matched by his speed and strength, thus justifying Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to play him to the left.
At times, we have seen Ramsey play on the left but he thrives in a No. 10 role behind the striker. If needed, he can also assume a slightly deeper role based on certain situations and opponents. Should the Welshman decide to link up with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool, Zielinski could be the ideal replacement in this regard.
Zielinski is no stranger to playing a variety of positions and is a solid box-to-box midfielder. Under Emery, he could flourish in that role.
A tactically adept 24-year-old who still has his best years ahead of him could be well worth the risk for Unai Emery. Given his skills and Ramsey’s uncertain future, Emery must leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of Piotr Zielinski.
