The serious ankle injury suffered by Danny Welbeck last week looks set to affect Aaron Ramsey’s future too.
With England striker Welbeck expected to be out for the rest of the season, the Gunners will make a move for AS Roma marksman Patrik Schick in January as they look to fill a gap in their frontline.
However, the Italian club are reluctant to part company with the 22-year-old Czech international, so Arsenal will offer them Ramsey in exchange, the Daily Star reports.
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Slick Schick
Ramsey’s contract expires at the end of the season and he’s been told by Arsenal that they won’t offer him a new deal.
But the Gunners have no intention of letting the Welshman go for nothing at the end of the season, says the Star, which claims that “Emirates chiefs are working on a way to make the most out of the situation”. And that involves facilitating a deal for Schick.
According to Italian media, the young striker is unsettled in Rome and is open to a fresh start overseas. Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reports that Roma are adamant that Schick “won’t leave”.
Tug of war with Tottenham for Jones
Arsenal face a battle with Spurs for the hand of Manchester United defender Phil Jones, with the Red Devils ready to fight to keep hold of the England blocker, according to The Sun.
Rumours about Jones’s future at Old Trafford have been circulating for months, and the newspaper claims he is wanted by both of the two north London clubs.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, but United are believed to be willing to offer him a new deal, despite his lengthy injury record of late.
United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of Jones and will try to persuade him to stay loyal to the club.
Rugani on Arsenal’s radar
Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani has started a “crash course to learn English ahead of a potential move to London in the New Year”, reports the Daily Express. But will his destination be the Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea have long been linked to the 24-year-old defender as an alternative to Gary Cahill, but the Express says that Unai Emery has recently sent his scouts to Turin and that the Gunners could be ready to swoop after Christmas.
