Aaron Ramsey seems set for a move to Juventus in the summer as the Serie A side look set to complete another sensational free transfer.
To add to every Arsenal fan’s woe, boss Unai Emery has reaffirmed his desire to only complete loan deals this month.
The Wales international’s contract at the Emirates is up in six months and, according to reports, he will become the second highest-earner at the Turin side.
With a whopping £8million signing-on fee as well, the 27-year-old is in line to be a very rich man by the time he puts on the famous black and white shirt.
So where does that leave Arsenal? Considering Liverpool and Manchester United were sniffing after the midfielder, the Gunners can take solace Ramsey decided to not follow Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri by signing for domestic rivals.
Regardless, the north Londoners are in need of a replacement and the list of transfer targets seems to be growing by the day.
Below, talkSPORT.com will aim to list just five of those names and explain why they would fit seamlessly into Unai Emery’s side.
Scroll down to see the entire list of potential transfer targets.
Piotr Zielinski – Napoli
The Poland international nearly moved to Liverpool in 2016, until current Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri went all out to sign the midfielder for Napoli.
‘He will be the next Kevin De Bruyne’, Sarri confidently declared. With a buyout clause of €60million in contract, signing the 24-year-old would be seen as an investment as well as an impact signing.
His three goals in Serie A this season does not exactly qualify as prolific, but the attacking midfielder is certainly a star for the future.
How could they line up with him?
Denis Suarez – Barcelona
Perhaps the biggest story of the window thus far has been the Barca star’s desire to leave the Camp Nou – with Arsenal his preferred destination.
A former student of Emery’s at Sevilla, the 25-year-old wants regular game time. His versatility and attacking instincts make him a prime target to replace Ramsey.
According to Spanish publication Marca, the personal terms on a deal have been agreed so watch this space.
How could they line up with him?
Dani Parejo – Valencia
A former target for Liverpool and Manchester United, the deep-lying midfielder was priced out of a move to Barcelona in the summer because of a €50million release clause.
Parejo will be 30 years old by the time next season starts, but his experience could be crucial in replacing a natural leader in Ramsey.
The former Real Madrid starlet has four goals and two assists in LaLiga already this season and is a master from set-pieces.
How could they line up with him?
Hector Herrera – Porto
The signing of Lucas Torreira in the summer was largely heralded owing to the tenacity the Uruguay international brought to the Gunners’ midfield.
Having played in two World Cups for Mexico, Herrera boasts a wealth of experience and a free transfer away from the Portuguese league beckons.
Although the Gunners would have to spend big wages to secure the 28-year-old, he would add steel and drive to the Arsenal midfield.
How could they line up with him?
Nicolo Barella – Cagliari
The Italian starlet who is attracting the attention of London’s biggest clubs, Barella is dynamic and making all the right moves.
A full Italy international, the midfielder has reportedly been contacted by Blues assistant boss Gianfranco Zola himself about a move to Stamford Bridge.
At €45million, the Gunners have a chance to nab the box-to-box midfielder before his value sky rockets. His style of play and enthusiasm means he may well be the closest thing to Ramsey on the market.
