Unai Emery has opened up on who could replace Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal next season.
After over a decade of service which includes two FA Cup final winning goals, the Wales international will bid farewell to the Gunners as his free transfer to Serie A giants Juventus will come into effect from July 1, 2019.
His departure from the Emirates Stadium will no doubt create a huge void and judging by the results since he got injured against Napoli, his soon-to-be former club could have a hard time moving on.
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As well as targeting a left-back and a wide forward, football.london understands a replacement for Ramsey is very much on the agenda this summer and there's been links to many who can play in this position of late.
From Nicolo Barella to Christopher Nkunku, there's plenty of replacements being touted but Emery has hinted that the 28-year-old's successor could come from within the ranks.
"Yes, but there are also players coming through from the academy who are producing good performances and who could progress," Emery told Sky Sports.
"We could replace him with a player from outside, or with a player who is already here who can grow like he did himself.
"We have to keep taking steps forward and the club is working towards that.
"There could be a lot of movement in terms of signings and departures or there could be a little, but first of all I believe there is a good base for the team already here."
If Emery is planning on replacing Ramsey internally then two names which immediately spring to mind are Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe.
The latter has impressed from a no.10 role this season, but injuries have halted his progress whilst out on loan with RB Leipzig during the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Willock is regarded as a box-to-box midfielder and has been amongst the goals at youth level this season and has also netted twice against Blackpool in the FA Cup third round.
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