Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has admitted he is flattered by reports linking him with a move to Barcelona, but insists he is happy at the Emirates.

Barcelona have snatched a flurry of stars from Arsenal’s grasp in recent years. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry have both made the switch, in a transfer that is becoming more and more regular. The latest negotiations between the two sides occurred only last summer, when Alexis Sanchez made his move from the Nou Camp, and Thomas Vermaelen came the other way.

Xavi Hernandez will go down as one of the finest midfielders of all time, but the Spaniard decided to put an end to his Barcelona spell at the end of last season. To replace such a man would come at great difficulty. Some believe the replacement should come from within, whilst others are looking towards big money moves for suitors.

Aaron Ramsey is the latest of those linked to replace the veteran, with reports of a £50 million pound move to the La Liga side emerging.

Ramsey has now admitted he is interested in a move to La Liga, but insists he is happy at Arsenal:

“Obviously it’s very flattering,” Ramsey told the Guardian.

“They did the treble last year and it’s just really nice to be linked with one of the best clubs in the world.”

“One day I would like to go over to Spain to play just to see what it’s like and to experience that.

“But at the moment I’m with Arsenal and I feel like this Arsenal team can go and be successful and challenge for things.”

“It was difficult last season because of the injuries I had again, especially as it wasn’t just one injury.”

“It was a month out and then I came back … it was another month out and then I came back. So it’s hard to get a rhythm going. You might feel a yard or two off it when you return and then it takes a few extra games to get going again. So it was a frustrating one for me. But in the games I did play, I did still have an impact, I set up a few goals and got into double figures.”

“But I just want to stay fit and healthy this season, have a full campaign and get my place back in the middle of the park, because that’s where I feel that I play my best football. I want to have the freedom to go forward but also, once we’re defending, I’ll obviously have to get back in. I don’t want to be fixed in front of the back four or in the hole, I want to be the one who can do both and get up and down.”

[Quotes via the Guardian]