Arsenal legend Ray Parlour is thrilled to see Aaron Ramsey return to the Premier League with Newcatle United expected to win the race for the Juventus midfielder, speaking to talkSPORT (7 January, 9am).
If reports are to be believed, Newcastle are looking to take a leaf out of the Leipzig playbook, making young, hungry, up-and-coming players central to their new-look transfer strategy.
Red Bull gives you wings after all.
But while emulating the rapid rise of the nouveau-riche Bundesliga giants is the long-term plan, survival remains their short-term aim.
Stuck in the relegation zone with just four months of the season remaining, Newcastle appear to be prioritising experienced, proven Premier League operators capable of making an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
Will Aaron Ramsey join Kieran Trippier at Newcastle?
Kieran Trippier became the first new signing of the Saudi Arabian era on Friday, joining in a bargain £12 million deal from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
And, after Juventus coach Max Allegri confirmed that Ramsey is free to leave the Serie A giants, the Welsh international looks set to join forces with Trippier at St James’ Park.
According to The Times, Newcastle will make the one-time Arsenal star their best-paid player on around £125,000-a-week.
“It looks like he’s coming back. It’s really pleasing, he’s a top player,” beams Parlour, a three-time Premier League winner.
“Whether he goes to Newcastle we’ll have to wait and see. But we want to see Aaron on a regular basis. (A move to Tyneside) would be great for him and his family.”
Ramsey, who has been linked with Everton and West Ham while turning down a move to Burnley, is not part of Allegri’s plans in Turin, playing just 97 minutes of Serie A football all season long despite Juventus’ well-publicised midfield problems.
“It didn’t work out for him, he couldn’t get in the team (at Juventus),” Parlour adds, pointing out that Ramsey’s form at international level shows that he still has a lot to offer.
“He’s brilliant for Wales! Maybe he’s not being played in the right way out there. It doesn’t suit him.
“I’m sure he’ll be raring to go (at Newcastle).”
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