Arsenal have earmarked Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon as a long-term Gabriel Magalhaes replacement, but Real Madrid could stand in the way of a deal.
The Spain youth international is playing his first season of top-flight football, yet he has already become one of the most sought-after commodities in European football. Ramon came through the Real Madrid academy and joined Como for just €2.5 million last summer.
In Italy, he has established himself as one of the most accomplished young centre-backs in Europe. The 21-year-old has been starring for Como as they have surged up the Serie A table, where they currently sit fourth.
Given his rapid rise to prominence, Ramon has been the subject of transfer speculation for quite some time. Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for the Spaniard, while a return to Real Madrid has also been mooted.
Los Blancos certainly have full control over his future. Like with many of their young stars, they also included a cheap buy-back clause in Ramon’s contract when they sold him.
Arsenal enter Ramon race
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have now also entered the race to sign the young centre-back. It is claimed that the Gunners have identified Ramon as a long-term replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes.
Despite having been one of Arsenal’s most impactful players this season, the report notes that the 28-year-old is “starting to show some signs of decline after injury problems both this season and last term.”
This, it is asserted, has prompted the Premier League leaders to sound out up-and-coming defenders who could seamlessly replace the Brazil international further down the line.
In addition to Ramon, the report confirms Arsenal’s interest in Real Madrid youngster Victor Valdepenas, who made his debut under Xabi Alonso in December but hasn’t seen first-team minutes since.
Inevitably, Arsenal will have to do business with Real Madrid if they wish to sign Valdepenas or Ramon this summer. The former needs to be bought out of his contract, while a deal for the latter would require the LaLiga giants’ blessing.
Real Madrid’s control of Ramon’s future is also likely to drive up his price. Besides their buy-back option, they also have a 50% sell-on clause, meaning that Como would demand a hefty premium for the 22-year-old, given that Real Madrid would be owed half of the fee.
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