Unai Emery to build Arsenal squad around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aaron Ramsey
The incoming Arsenal manager has already identified the two key players in his squad, which will concern the club’s highest-paid player Mesut Ozil
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Incoming Arsenal manager Unai Emery plans to build his squad around Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aaron Ramsey.
The Spanish coach, who it emerged last night would succeed Arsene Wenger at the Emirates, made the plan clear during his interview which so impressed Arsenal and convinced them he is the man for the job.
The plan will raise alarm bells for Mesut Ozil, who under Wenger was the undisputed talisman of the team.
The German’s standing was recognised with a bumper contract he signed in January which makes him the highest paid player at the club on £350,000-a-week. That deal runs until 2021.
SunSport understands Emery blew Arsenal’s recruitment team away with a stunning presentation a fortnight ago.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis along with head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat were staggered by the forensic analysis of every player in Arsenal’s squad and his exact plans on how he would improve them.
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Emery has identified Aubameyang and Ramsey as the two most vital players.
Aubameyang only arrived in January but has made a quick impression at the Emirates. The Gabon international scored 10 goals in 13 Premier League appearances following his move from Borussia Dortmund.
Ramsey endured a mixed campaign but his raw talent has never been in question. What is less clear however is whether his future remains at Arsenal with his contract having just a year to run.
Emery will have to make the Welshman’s contract situation a priority when he arrives if he is to put Ramsey, 27, at the centre of his plans.
A source told TheSun: “He knew more about the Arsenal squad and every relevant detail about their career path and injury histories than people who had been at the club for years.
“They’d no idea where he had gathered his information but they were mesmerised by the vision he put before them.”
It’s understood Emery will be announced as the new Arsenal manager later this week.