Liverpool eyeing a swoop for all-action midfield star: The missing piece of the jigsaw?

There is still a bit of time before the transfer window reopens but we do have a few interesting transfer rumours doing the rounds. Reports from the Daily Mirror claim that Liverpool could move in for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey as his contract talks have stalled.

The report also claimed that Liverpool were keen on signing him in the summer transfer window but were rejected. Ramsey has less than a year remaining on his contract and will be free to negotiate a move with clubs from outside England in January.

Liverpool could, however, pay Arsenal a fee that would be too hard to turn down for a soon-to-be free agent.

Aaron Ramsey – Fact file

Ramsey’s form has taken a nosedive this season, without a doubt. Often seen as a versatile player under former manager Arsene Wenger, Ramsey’s strongest position is as a box to box midfielder.

Under the new management, however, he hasn’t been able to replicate his previous season’s performances. Last season, Arsenal struggled for consistency. Ramsey had a pretty good season, though, as he contributed seven goals and eight assists from midfield.

The 2013-14 season was when Ramsey was at his best. Given the licence to attack more often than defence, Ramsey mustered 10 goals and eight assists.

Ramsey, Liverpool and the 4-2-3-1

Liverpool’s midfield has improved this season. While Fabinho is yet to really adapt and get regular game time, Naby Keita has hit the ground running. Klopp’s pressing system could be ideal for someone like Ramsey.

Like his former Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey has sort of been shackled which has prevented him from reaching his true potential. A technically gifted player, he’d add more creativity to the Liverpool midfield.

Manchester City and Chelsea have brilliant technical midfielders in the likes of Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Fabregas, Jorginho and Kovacic and that is one area where Liverpool arguably fall short.  Ramsey’s potential addition would make them a stronger unit and put them in a position to challenge on all fronts this season.

Klopp has already shown the willingness to shift his preferred 4-3-3 setup to the 4-2-3-1 that allows the presence of a number 10. Because of the system, the number 10 will have to do a lot of pressing and tracking back, a role that suits Ramsey.

Still only 27, Ramsey has time on his side and is at his peak years as an athlete. He will come cheap as well, so it’ll be a big deal if Liverpool can convince the Welshman to join them.

Stats via Whoscored