With the transfer window now open for business, Arsenal finds themselves actively looking for the player that has to live up to the task of replacing one of the club’s most important figures, Aaron Ramsey.

The Welshman’s departure to Juventus this summer will leave a massive void in the Gunners XI that needs serious addressing this summer, and it is a problem Unai Emery will need to sort out quickly if he is to keep the fans happy, and an intriguing name has recently popped up.

According to Closs Continental via Sport Witness, Arsenal are interested in River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who was highly tipped to move to Real Madrid but a move never materialised, and the news should excited Gooners everywhere.

The 20-year-old midfielder is one of the most highly rated players in South America after playing a pivotal role in the Argentine’s Copa Libertadores win over fierce rivals Boca Juniors, and his skill set is close enough to Ramsey’s to make Palacios a potentially brilliant replacement.

Valued at £18 million on Transfermarkt, the Argentina international is a versatile player, mainly operating in the centre of midfield but having the South American ruggedness to tackle and win the ball back whilst also have the flair of a playmaker to bomb forward and create chances and score goal.

Real Madrid wanted Palacios for a reason, and now with news that the 20-year-old is leaving his boyhood club, Arsenal need to act before it is too late to secure a player who has what it takes to replace an icon of the club.

Arsenal fans, would you take Palacios as a summer signing? Let us know!