Aaron Ramsey: The Contenders to Sign the 'Unwanted' Juventus Midfielder & Where He Might End Up

As the ball span, unattended, on the six yard line, Aaron Ramsey was the first to get his boot to it. The Welshman swept the game's opening goal past Samir Handanovic to give Juventus the lead in a top of the table clash with Inter all the way back in March.

Ramsey teed up Paulo Dybala for the second and final goal of the match as Juve reclaimed first place. However, the 29-year-old's momentum was abruptly quashed in the following days, as the coronavirus pandemic hit Italy.

Post-lockdown, Juventus sealed the title but Ramsey was restricted to the role of a substitute for much of the run-in, starting just two of the 15 games since June. The unconvincing nature of Juve's title win - compounded by their Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon - prompted the powers that be to replace manager Maurizio Sarri with club legend Andrea Pirlo.

Juve's number eight is thought to be 'unwanted' by the incoming Pirlo and is one of several players the club have lined up for sale this summer. In a debut campaign that has been punctuated by injuries, Ramsey has shown flashes of his best form. However, as his time in black-and-white rapidly draws to a premature close, what could be next for the goalscoring midfielder?

4. Arsenal

Ramsey bid an emotional farewell to Arsenal after 11 years at the club just last season. However, as romantic as his return may be to some fans, the finances surrounding such a move make a reunion highly unlikely.

Aside from the transfer fee, Juventus would demand for a player with three years left of their contract, The Welshman's basic weekly wage is an eye-watering £400,000-per-week. If Ramsey is forced out of the door, he will probably be forced to take a pay-cut or move on loan while Juve pay some of his salary wherever he goes.

However, Arsenal have been hit particularly badly by the coronavirus pandemic - given the club's reliance on matchday revenue - and are already on the verge of committing a sizeable outlay to another player past their peak as negotiations with Willian continue.

Likelihood Rating: 1/10

3. Manchester United

Before Pirlo strolled in to take the Juventus hot seat, there were already whispers that Ramsey's time in Turin may end this summer and Manchester United were among the favourites to secure his signature.

Yet, since football returned in June, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has discovered his best side equipped with a strong midfield. Ramsey is unlikely to usurp either Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba and offers none of the crucial balance Nemanja Matic brings to the side.

Manchester United don't have many financial concerns surrounding the transfer but there doesn't seem to be an obvious role for Ramsey in the side.

Likelihood Rating: 2/10

2. Tottenham Hotspur

At the start of July, Tottenham reportedly rebuffed Juventus' attempts at a swap deal involving Ramsey and Tanguy Ndombele. The French midfielder has barely featured for Spurs since but Ramsey might still find his way to north London.

The addition of Southampton's combative midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg would provide some defensive solidity for Ramsey to drive into the opposition's box.

Tottenham manager José Mourinho is thought to be a fan of the Welshman - despite his lack of defensive instincts - having supposedly tried to sign Ramsey on two separate occasions while in the Manchester United dugout. Could this be third time lucky?

Likelihood Rating: 5/10

1. Everton

By the end of the season - after multiple performances which must have surely prompted some serious career retrospection - Carlo Ancelotti just looked relieved that the campaign was over.

While there are questions over a lack of depth in defence, Everton's midfield had become purely hypothetical - offering as little going forward as it did in halting the opposition.

A 90min exclusive back in March revealed Everton were targeting both Ramsey and his compatriot Gareth Bale in an ambitious double swoop.

If Ramsey were to arrive at Goodison Park, he would have to be one of several recruits to bolster the midfield. Yet, his presence alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the penalty area would certainly relieve some of the goalscoring burden weighing heavy on the front two.

Likelihood Rating: 7/10