The task of replacing Aaron Ramsey is something both Unai Emery and the Arsenal fans know is something the club need to get spot on.
The Welshman’s influence on the pitch will sorely be missed next season when the midfielder trades north London for Turin, and when looking for the player to fill in Ramsey’s shoes, Emery has to be certain he is signing the right man for the job.
And according to Corriere dello Sport, Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet is one of the players Emery is eyeing up to replace Ramsey, with the Belgian midfielder valued at a reported £20 million.
An essential clog in Samp’s narrow diamond midfield, Praet has seen his game change dramatically in Italy. After joining as an advanced playmaker best playing behind the striker, the Belgian has seen his role develop into a player who can sit deep and control the tempo of the midfield.
So what would the potential consequences be of Arsenal signing the 24-year-old playmaker?
Arsenal find unorthodox Ramsey replacement
With Praet a very different player to what Arsenal fans would be expecting from a Ramsey replacement, his signing would signal that Emery is trying things a little bit differently at the club.
Signing someone who prefers playing a bit deeper to where Ramsey enjoys his best football could mean Emery is looking to change the shape of the Arsenal team from a 4-2-3-1 like many thought into a 4-3-3, the formation that Arsene Wenger used to deploy and a system that has seen the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool separate themselves as the best teams in the Premier League.
Alongside Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira, Praet could be the final piece of the formation that makes up the important midfield three.
Torreira reignites with former teammate
Playing alongside former teammate Torreira, it won’t take long for Praet to become adjusted to the playing style of Arsenal with his ex-Sampdoria midfielder partner next to him in the team.
The two had good success in Italy with the Genoa-based club, helping the club to European football, and with Arsenal, the duo can repeat that success as the north London side aim to re-establish themselves as a Champions League team.
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