Last Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s team defeated Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates to earn three more points.
With 39 points from 17 games, this victory propelled the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League.
With seven minutes remaining and the game already won, the manager substituted Emile Smith Rowe, highlighting the few opportunities this season that he has and might have.
Most recent moves to Arsenal: Jacob Ramsey
The Daily Mail claims that Jacob Ramsey is one of the midfielders that Arsenal and Edu are hoping to add to their roster; the recruitment staff has given Ramsey a high rating.
Jacob Ramsey, a midfielder for Aston Villa
Football Transfers values the England U21 star at £26 million, but because of financial fair play regulations, there must be outgoings to raise money for any possible moves.
According to the same report, other clubs are interested in Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale. However, if an attack-minded midfielder like Ramsey is signed, Smith Rowe would be forced to leave.
Jacob Ramsey and Emile Smith Rowe’s similarities
Many anticipated that Ramsey would continue to develop and establish himself as one of the main players in Unai Emery’s squad following his outstanding 13 goal 2022–23 campaign and his pivotal part in England’s U21 Euros victory in the group stage.
However, the midfielder’s growth has been interrupted by injuries sustained during the tournament quarterfinals and a foot injury at the beginning of October. This season, he has only started one Premier League game.
Jacob-villa Ramsey
Their injury history is one of the first unfavourable similarities to the previously described Smith Rowe. There are advantages to this analogy, though, such as the capacity to arrive late in the neighbourhood and fulfil comparable duties on the pitch.
The dynamic, box-to-box midfielder, who graduated from Villa Youth Academy, can play out wide, as an eight or as a ten; the latter positions are undoubtedly similar to Arsenal’s current number ten. In addition, Ramsey would add enthusiasm and athleticism to any team, and at just 22 years old, he still has a lot of space for improvement even though he exhibits the maturity and style of a seasoned professional. It comes as no surprise that Jacek Kulig, a football talent scout, called him a “big talent.”
The table that follows compares Ramsey’s playmaking abilities and style to midfielders in the top leagues in Europe during the previous season. When viewed from an offensive stance, it’s undoubtedly impressive reading.
The statistics for Jacob Ramsey
Statistics (per 90)
Ramsey
The percentile
Objectives
0.24
Top 5%
Helps
0.24
Top 5%
Pass keys
1.61
top 14%
Touches using an ATTT pen
3.32
Top 4%
carries progressive
3.42
Top 4%
completed passes
22.54
lowest 4%
Att (third) tackles
0.44
Top 12%
Statistics through FBref
As you can see, Ramsey is a player that prefers to operate in the background and mostly affects the last part of the game.
Given how many cutbacks Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka generate each game at Arsenal, his natural ability to find space in and around the box to finish would be devastating. In that regard, Jude Bellingham and the Villa man are comparable.
The young player is also a creative outlet, using his virtually unstoppable dribbling ability and eye for a pass to make sure the ball gets to the opponent’s box. Ramsey has nearly perfected the art of connecting play from midfield to attack, and his ability to drive at the backline and elude opponents provides a tonne of space for those around him. Think about how formidable an offensive combination he, Martin Odegaard, and the previously stated wingers would be for Arsenal.
Finally, Villa’s number 41 is a well-rounded prospect due to his consistent defensive contribution. For a player with his level of talent and inexhaustible quality, £26 million is an incredible deal. It would be a brilliant move to replace Smith Rowe with him, especially given the latter’s regrettable history of injuries.
