Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Napoli creative midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who could be set to replace Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal are concentrating their efforts on identifying the ideal player to replace Aaron Ramsey, who is set to run down his contract with the Gunners. To that end, Napoli creative midfielder Piotr Zielinski has emerged as a top target, who would cost around £30 million.
Aaron Ramsey’s decade long-association with Arsenal seems to be coming to an end, after talks over a new long-term contract broke down recently. With his current deal set to run out at the end of the season, the North Londoners are resigned to losing their star creative midfielder, probably for free.
But, Arsenal cannot drown in their sorrows, as procuring a replacement for the star Welshman is imperative. The Gunners have indeed been linked with a few players, but none of the names will perhaps excite the club’s fanbase more than their latest reported target – Piotr Zielinski.
Slow progress has been the name of the game for Zielinski, who was widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in world football when he joined Napoli in the summer of 2016. The 2018-19 season though, looks like the one wherein the Pole will finally realise his potential.
Having featured in every game for Napoli this season, the 24-year-old is going about establishing himself as a regular for Partonepei. And, with two goals thus far, Zielinski is also adding more dynamism to his game, which would serve Arsenal well, as they look to replace Ramsey efficiently.
Zielinski’s ability to thrive in the final third is not the only aspect of his game that makes him an attractive prospect for Arsenal. But, as the creative midfielder has shown this season, he can also play as adeptly on the left flank, giving Unai Emery several options to use him in his side.
To make him an even more appealing target, a £30 million price tag makes him an economical option for Arsenal, who have been operating on a limited transfer budget lately. But, swooping the creative midfielder away from Napoli could be a tall order, with Carlo Ancelotti likely to ask for all bids to be blocked in January.
While landing Zielinski in January might be a tough ask, a summer move cannot be ruled out. For now, the Pole is a viable target to replace Aaron Ramsey, whose time at Arsenal is fast approaching its end. But, it also remains to be seen if the Gunners can test Napoli’s resolve with a January offer.
