Arsenal look at Kerem Demirbay to replace Aaron Ramsey but who is and is it a good fit. According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have contacted Hoffenheim regarding the transfer of German midfielder as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal are believed to be targeting Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey.
The 25-year-old, who reportedly has a €30m release clause, has four goals and eight assists from midfield this season. pic.twitter.com/vyscU0TLuC
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 18, 2019
Let’s start by saying that the players are not similar in anyway apart from their natural desire to go forward and assist the attack. Demirbay (25) is not a well known name but he is certainly an exciting talent and will be available for around £30m.
The Hoffenheim connection could possibly involve another loan deal for Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson so not only is Demirbay relatively cheap but there may be something of a reciprocal deal to be done.
Demirbay’s style is reminiscent of Ramsey’s and can find his teammates by some pinpoint passing. Demirbay is capable of confusing defenders and goalkeepers with his very precise left boot, and is renowned for his range of passing.
Looking at Demirbay from the available footage, he is a tenacious baller with superb close control but he can also provide long precision passes into the danger areas, the sort of pass that David Beckham was famous for in his peak.
#Hoffenheim's Kerem Demirbay has an exit clause in the region of €20m to €30m. The two Turkish clubs #Besiktas and #Galatasaray are interested but don't have the money. #Arsenal have also voiced their interest (Bild).
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) April 17, 2019
His intensity is such that he will gladly get forward but also track back to put a foot in and retrieve the ball. However it’s his willingness to progress up field and avoid challenges that sets Demirbay apart from others that have been previously touted targets to replace Ramsey.
Demirbay is not scared to take on multiple opponents and his close control allows him to twist and turn pass players to provide a quality pass or an assist. He is not a prolific scorer but he can hit a ball with a thunderous right foot from outside the box, perhaps he should and could score more but his vision exceptional.
Demirbay is no Ramsey but can be an upgrade and he certainly fits the bill of the type of player Unai Emery is looking for. Ramsey, who suffered a hamstring injury against Napoli mid week is leaving the Gunners at the end of the season for Italian champions Juventus.
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The German’s contract is valid until 2022 but it’s believed that there is a release clause and that he may relish the prospect of a move to the premiership. Kerem Demirbay can be a good addition and can prove to be a like-to-like replacement for the departing Welshman.
