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According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, reported via Metro, Juventus are prepared to offer Medhi Benatia to Arsenal this January in exchange for outbound midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

What’s the story?

Aaron Ramsey is set to leave the Emirates Stadium this year after a decade with the Gunners. His contract will expire at the end of this season, so if he does not leave or agree to a move elsewhere this month, then he shall become a free agent then. 

Perennial Serie A champions Juventus appear keen on bringing the 28-year-old to Italy. However, the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 58-cap Wales international.

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If, in order to secure Ramsey for themselves, Juventus have indeed offered Benatia to Arsenal, then Unai Emery ought to jump at this chance to sign the centre-back.

Emery’s own van Dijk

The Arsenal manager has recently stated that his club are only in a position to agree loan deals this month. However, a swap deal, involving no transfer fee, would surely be doable, especially as Ramsey’s wages would no longer be coming at Arsenal’s expense.

The Gunners are in dire need of a top class new centre-back. Benatia is exactly that. The 31-year-old former Bayern Munich man is a proven leader who has thrived at the top level of the game. 

With Emery’s rearguard currently depleted by injuries and in disarray, the 55-cap Morocco international’s added authority, quality and experience could have a similar effect on the defensive contingent at Arsenal as Virgil van Dijk has had at Liverpool.

As Ramsey is leaving anyway, Arsenal must take this chance to make the most of his exit by securing the services of Benatia in return.