Arsenal legend Aaron Ramsey to turn down mega-money Saudi Arabia transfer for emotional return to former club
AARON RAMSEY is set to turn down the riches of Saudi Arabia and rejoin boyhood club Cardiff.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Wednesday the Nice midfielder, 32, was the latest British star to be targeted by the Middle East football revolution.
Ramsey weighed up the big-money offer from Saudi but is edging towards a return to Wales where he started his career.
Ramsey’s French club revealed on Monday they expect him to return to the south of France for pre-season training next week.
But it is believed the Wales captain is in negotiations to release him from his Nice contract after he triggered a 12-month extension after playing a set number of matches last season.
Ramsey failed to agree a new long-term contract with the Ligue 1 club and has always stated his next move will be a family decision, who remain in south Wales.
Ramsey began his career as a teenager with Cardiff before leaving for the Gunners in 2008.
Ex-Arsenal and Juventus star Ramsey said last month he would love to play for his boyhood club ‘one day’ and now Cardiff appear to be in pole position to fend off competition from Saudi’s Pro League.
The Bluebirds finished 21st in the Championship last season but have been keen and hopeful of bringing him home this summer.
Ramsey was the latest Brit to receive interest from Saudi where former England captain Steven Gerrard has moved to become the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
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Three Lions and ex-Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard has interest from Saudi clubs following an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson has also been linked with a big offer to make the switch to the Middle East.
Several European aces have already moved to Saudi – where Cristiano Ronaldo started the revolution last December – including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino and Ruben Neves.
Wilfried Zaha, who is currently a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired this summer, has also been offered a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Former United goalkeeper David de Gea and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku are also wanted by Saudi clubs.