Barcelona Target Shock Move for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey as Cesc Fabregas Replacement

Barcelona are considering a shock swoop in signing Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been the Gunners' key player during the 2013/14 campaign. His goal in extra time in the FA Cup final against Hull City saw his side win the tie 3-2, which ended the north London club's nine-year-long trophy drought.

The report claims Ramsey is in Arsene Wenger's long-term plan at the Emirates after the Frenchman recently signed a contract extension to continue with his current employers. Arsenal are adamant about letting their star player leave the club in the summer transfer window.

The Spanish giants are set to offload former Gunners' skipper Cesc Fabregas as his service is no longer required at Camp Nou. Barcelona are looking for a transfer fee of £30m for the Spaniard, with United and Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Manchester City linked in signing him.

Wenger has rejected a chance to sign Fabregas due to the availability of Ramsey in the squad. The Wales international had earlier admitted that he would like to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid at some point in his career.

"I have unfinished business at Arsenal first but maybe one day, when the time is right, I'd fancy that. One of those two teams is quite mouthwatering," Ramsey explained.

Barcelona believe they can tempt Ramsey to quit Arsenal and join the La Liga giants to replace Fabregas. Any move from the Spanish outfit for the midfielder's services will see them face competition from their former manager Pep Guardiola.

The same report claims Bayern Munich are also interested in landing Ramsey as they are looking for a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos. The German international's contract expires at the end of the next season and he could be heading for an exit in a year's time.

Ramsey could fill in Kroos' position at the Allianz Arena, should he decide to leave the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer next summer.

Should the report be true, it is unlikely that Wenger will allow Ramsey leave the Emirates, especially after the midfielder's impressive season with Arsenal.