An exodus of players looms at the Emirates as Manchester City are planning to raid Arsenal midfield with the trio of Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta this summer adding to the number of players that will reportedly swap Arsenal for Man City next season.
Football Insider reports that Pep Guardiola, who will take over at Manchester City this summer is interested in bringing Ramsey and his team-mates to the Etihad Stadium to add to their home-grown players which consist of just four players; Joe Hart, Gael Clichy, Richard Wright and Fabian Delph.
It is equally reported that Mikel Arteta could gain from his long-time friendship with the Bayern Munich coach and be offered a coaching role at the club should he decide to a bow from his playing career at the end of the season.
Ramsey was in scintillating form for Arsenal in 2013/ 2014 season, a performance which was rewarded with an improved contract in 2014 that would extend his stay at the club till 2018.
He has however failed to replicate the form this season and with limited first-team appearances this season – engineered by the signing of Mohamed Elneny and his lack of fitness- which is equally not guaranteed next season with the addition of another midfielder on the card, the Wales international may be on his out of the club this summer.
Arsenal may also decide to cash in on Oxlade-Chamberlain with reports that could be out the club following his inability hold down a starting berth in the team. Former club Southampton, Manchester United and Liverpool have shown interest in the player.
Arteta and Guardiola have been friends since their days at Barcelona’s academy and the incoming Man City boss have not hidden the fact that he wants his compatriot at his new club. The Arsenal captain appearances have been limited by injuries this season and he has always expressed his interest in coaching
The Arsenal captain’s appearances have been limited by injuries this season and he has always expressed his interest in coaching
The likes of Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky are also expected to leave at the end of the season.
