Aaron Ramsey’s departure as a free agent in the summer is looking all the more likely now, and it looks as though the Bundesliga will be his next calling. According to the Independent, the German champions Bayern Munich are confident of securing his services for next season.
Numerous other clubs are interested in the Welsh international, including Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal. But the Gunners’ hesitation to sell him to a direct rival may have been a factor, as he is expected to sign a long-term contract for the Bavarian side come next season.
Ramsey had been a regular starter under Arsene Wenger, but that has changed under Unai Emery. The Spaniard prefers the likes of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka, and Ramsey has had to content himself with a spot on the bench this season. Half of his league appearances have come from the bench this campaign. Aged 27, he still has time to further his career, but that will not happen from the bench at the Emirates, he needs to be starting consistently: a fact which has stopped him from signing a new contract in North London.
Injuries curtailed his playing time at the beginning of his Arsenal career, but he grew into the team since 2010. Ramsey’s peak arguably came in the 2013-14 season, and he was a vital cog for Wenger in Arsenal’s midfield. His energy and goals from midfield would certainly be of use in Munich.
Bayern are currently languishing in the fifth spot in the Bundesliga table, a low position in accordance with their lofty expectations. New manager Niko Kovac has not had the best of starts, and overhauling an ageing squad is one of his top priorities for the upcoming transfer windows.
He signed Leon Goretzka in the summer on a free transfer from Schalke on a long-term deal, and hopefully, for Bayern, Ramsey will follow suit. His current five-year deal ends in 2019, and Arsenal have little hope of holding on to him for the future.
At his best Ramsey is truly a wonderful player, and his 2013-14 season was a thing to behold. It seems likely now that the German football fans could see something similar brewing in Munich next season.
