Arsenal reportedly want to land Sampdoria maestro to replace Aaron Ramsey

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Arsenal are keen to land Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet to bolster their midfield ranks in the wake of Aaron Ramsey’s departure, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Praet is a former team-mate of Gunners maestro Lucas Torreira. Boss Unai Emery is keen to reunite the duo who worked up a formidable partnership and is preparing a £20 million summer bid.

The 24-year-old has played 32 games for the Italian outfit this season, bagging twice and contributing two assists. His main qualities are his array of passing and energy around the pitch.

Ramsey will join Juventus during the summer and Emery will undergo major rebuilding works on his squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

The Gunners boss’ budget is likely to be dependant on whether or not Champions League qualification can be secured. If a top-four finish is claimed then it will likely be much higher.

TBR Verdict

Praet would perhaps represent a solid but perhaps unspectacular replacement for Ramsey.

The Belgium international has done alright during his time with Sampdoria. A major pull of the deal would be the fact that he works well in tandem with Torreira.

At £20 million Praet wouldn’t break the bank but his lack of Premier League experience might be a hindrance.

His style of play is effortless, energetic and all about moving the ball around to the forward players. Arsenal do need one of those players, especially with Ramsey departing, so it isn’t a completely pointless signing.

If Emery can get the very best out of him then he will have a good player on his hands. The proof will be in the pudding, however, with some Gunners likely to remain unconvinced if he does sign, on the basis that supporters will probably expect a bigger name to replace the Welshman.