Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Cagliari midfield star, Nicolo Barella with a view of a future move for the Italian, as Aaron Ramsey’s potential replacement.
Arsenal are already looking out for options to replace star midfielder, Aaron Ramsey. His contract runs out next summer and he could leave the club on a free transfer. According to Gazzetta Italy, the Gunners are keeping close tabs on Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella and could bring the Italian as a possible replacement for Ramsey next summer.
Barella’s stock has seen a rise since playing an influential role for Cagliari in the last two seasons. However, his recent performances have caught the eye, especially his display during Italy’s last-gasp 1-0 win over Poland. He was later described as the best player on the pitch by pundits.
As for Cagliari, the 21-year-old has already appeared 83 times in all competitions, notching seven goals in the process. More than his goalscoring stats, he is viewed as an essential cog in midfield than anything.
On the other hand, the player has received immense praise from current Italy manager Roberto Mancini as well as Fabio Capello who compared him to the legendary Marco Tardelli.
But given the hype surrounding the player, there are many big clubs in the queue. Liverpool and Tottenham had been touted as the front-runners early on, although Chelsea and now Arsenal have joined the chase. Additionally, both Milan clubs are also battling out for the midfielder, along with Atletico Madrid, who even tried to sign him last season, only for Cagliari to refuse a sale.
Liverpool are well stocked in midfield, but Jurgen Klopp might sense an opportunity to sign a talent like Barella if the chance comes to him. Tottenham might have a shortage of midfielders at the end of the season with Moussa Sissoko and Mousa Dembele both expected to leave the North London side. However, reports suggest Cagliari might be asking more than £35 million for the midfielder, a price that could rise even higher owing to his performances in the current season.
As for Arsenal, it would make complete sense to add a talent of Barella’s quality to their ranks. Given their current situation with Ramsey, who is reportedly ready to leave the Gunners on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Unai Emery might think of Barella as someone who could replace the Welshman.
Ramsey had an offer on the table from Arsenal before the season began, only for the club to take it off in recent weeks. That has left the Welshman considering his option, as Chelsea and Manchester United emerging as potential options for Ramsey. His absence from Arsenal’s lineup would mean a great deal for the club, although there are chances the Gunners could try and revive talks with the midfielder.
Barella, on the other hand, is a young, dynamic midfielder, who has already shown the maturity and leadership qualities required to thrive in the Premier League.
Emeryhas so far done a decent job with his new signings and other players, while if a talent like Barella becomes available, Arsenal might want to bring him in to replace their long-serving star, Aaron Ramsey.
