元アーセナル選手が空席となっている監督職を巡り最終段階の交渉に入っている。

Ex-Gunner in advanced talks for vacant managerial position

Oxford are looking for a new head coach after sacking Matt Bloomfield, while Aaron Ramsey is also believed to have interest from Wales if Craig Bellamy moves on.

Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

Aaron Ramsey is in advanced talks to become the new head coach of Oxford United, with the former Arsenal midfielder ready to take the first significant step in his managerial career.

Oxford are looking for a new head coach after sacking Matt Bloomfield at the weekend. Bloomfield was appointed in January 2026 and oversaw a second half of a season that ended in relegation to League One, leaving the club to reset quickly before the new campaign.

Ramsey’s name has also been discussed in relation to the Wales job should Craig Bellamyleave to take over at Burnley, but the 35-year-old is believed to prefer beginning his managerial career in club football rather than stepping straight into a national-team role.

That would fit with what Ramsey said only a few months ago, when he confirmed that coaching was now his intended path after announcing his retirement from playing in April. His brief spell as interim head coach at Cardiff City only focussed that ambition, rather than making him hesitate after three games without a win.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

“That [managing Arsenal or Wales] would be the dream,” Ramsey admitted (via The S*n). “I know there is a long way to go before then. It’s time to go into coaching now. 100 per cent.

“I managed Cardiff for a few games but that just made me realise it’s definitely the next step for me. That will be on the cards next.

“I’m really excited. I’ve had some coaching exposure around the Wales set-up, working with some unbelievable staff there and I’ve done some work with Cardiff’s u18s so I’ve been keeping myself busy.”

Oxford may now offer the route into that future.

Ramsey played 369 times for Arsenal, but the wider arc of his career was altered on 27 February 2010, when Ryan Shawcross went through the teenager at the Britannia and caused a double fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg.

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The injury was horrific, players were visibly distressed, and Ramsey required immediate surgery before beginning a recovery that was both physically and psychologically gruelling. He was out for almost a year.

Ramsey made it back, and returned to the elite level, but his career was irreparably damaged. Successive loan spells were needed to rebuild him, and although he became a hugely important player for Arsenal, the injury pattern of his career had already started to form.

Now Ramsey is preparing for the next part of his football life.

Oxford, newly relegated and in need of direction, may offer that platform. For Arsenal supporters, it would be the start of a coaching journey that Ramsey has already admitted he hopes might one day bring him back to the Emirates.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

• Ex-Gunner in advanced talks for vacant managerial positionOxford are looking for a new head coach after sacking Matt Bloomfield, while Aaron Ramsey is also believed to have interest from Wales if Craig Bellamy moves on.CARDIFF, WALES – NOVEMBER 19: Aaron Ramsey of Wales celebrates after the final whistle during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Wales and Hungary so at Cardiff City Stadium on November 19, 2019, in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)Aaron Ramsey is in advanced talks to become the new head coach of Oxford United, with the former Arsenal midfielder ready to take the first significant step in his managerial career.Oxford are looking for a new head coach after sacking Matt Bloomfield at the weekend. Bloomfield was appointed in January 2026 and oversaw a second half of a season that ended in relegation to League One, leaving the club to reset quickly before the new campaign.Ramsey’s name has also been discussed in relation to the Wales job should Craig Bellamy leave to take over at Burnley, but the 35-year-old is believed to prefer beginning his managerial career in club football rather than stepping straight into a national-team role.That would fit with what Ramsey said only a few months ago, when he confirmed that coaching was now his intended path after announcing his retirement from playing in April. His brief spell as interim head coach at Cardiff City only focussed that ambition, rather than making him hesitate after three games without a win.TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Aaron Ramsey of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)“That [managing Arsenal or Wales] would be the dream,” Ramsey admitted (via The S*n). “I know there is a long way to go before then. It’s time to go into coaching now. 100 per cent.“I managed Cardiff for a few games but that just made me realise it’s definitely the next step for me. That will be on the cards next.“I’m really excited. I’ve had some coaching exposure around the Wales set-up, working with some unbelievable staff there and I’ve done some work with Cardiff’s u18s so I’ve been keeping myself busy.”Oxford may now offer the route into that future. Ramsey played 369 times for Arsenal, but the wider arc of his career was altered on 27 February 2010, when Ryan Shawcross went through the teenager at the Britannia and caused a double fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg. STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City is sent off by Referee Peter Walton for a challenge on Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Arsenal at The Britannia Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)The injury was horrific, players were visibly distressed, and Ramsey required immediate surgery before beginning a recovery that was both physically and psychologically gruelling. He was out for almost a year.Ramsey made it back, and returned to the elite level, but his career was irreparably damaged. Successive loan spells were needed to rebuild him, and although he became a hugely important player for Arsenal, the injury pattern of his career had already started to form.Now Ramsey is preparing for the next part of his football life. Oxford, newly relegated and in need of direction, may offer that platform. For Arsenal supporters, it would be the start of a coaching journey that Ramsey has already admitted he hopes might one day bring him back to the Emirates.LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal, holding one of his children, acknowledges the crowd as he says farewell to the club following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
• Arsenal face 19yo decision after Swedish club make contactThe young Dane is returning to Arsenal after a positive senior loan, but reports of a free transfer may not be accurate.Lucas Nygaard in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)Lucas Nygaard has been linked with a move to Halmstads BK, with the Swedish club reported to have made initial contact over a deal for the 19-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper, who turns 20 on 26 June.According to Expressen, HBK want to sign Nygaard as they search for a replacement for William Lykke, who has returned to Nordsjaelland. Oscar Linnér had initially been in the frame, but the focus may now shift towards the young Danish goalkeeper, who the media in the country say could form part of a goalkeeping pair with 27-year-old Tim Rönning.Nygaard spent last season on loan at Brabrand IF in Denmark’s third tier, making 13 appearances and keeping three clean sheets. ESBJERG, DENMARK – MAY 10: William Lykke of Denmark reacts during the U19 Denmark and U19 Germany International Friendly match at Blue Water Arena on May 10, 2023 in Esbjerg, Denmark. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)His spell there will not be extended, with Brabrand sporting director Andreas Rasch-Christensen confirming the decision before the loan comes to an end.“He’s going back to Arsenal now, we’re not extending the deal,” Rasch-Christensen told Tipsbladet. “What’s going to happen after that, I don’t actually know.”That should not be read as a sign that the loanwent badly. Brabrand appear to have been more than satisfied with Nygaard’s development, while Arsenal are said to have wanted the goalkeeper to gain experience in senior football before taking the next step.“We have been really happy with the collaboration – Arsenal have been too,” the sporting director added. “The intention was for Lucas to have more hair on his chest through some senior football, and he has got that.“[Extending the loan] hasn’t really been part of the discussions. My impression has been that they want to take some further steps with Lucas. We had been open to extending the agreement…it has been Arsenal’s wish that something else should happen.Lucas Nygaard playing for the Arsenal u21s (Photo via Arsenal.com)“We have been happy with the level he has shown, especially in the matches. We have been really satisfied with it. He has also saved points in some matches. His greatest strength is on the line, he is fast, a top-class shot stopper.”Expressen report that Nygaard’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of the month and that he could therefore be available on a free transfer. That, however, does not appear to be correct. Arsenal are understood to rate the goalkeeper highly, and it seems unlikely they would be willing to lose him for nothing just two years after bringing him to the club.For Arsenal, the decision is now whether Nygaard’s next step is another move into senior football, a step-up to the senior Arsenal side, or a permanent transfer if the right offer arrives. Brabrand have done what Arsenal wanted them to do, giving him senior experience and a clearer sense of the demands beyond academy football.HBK may now offer the next opening, but the key point is that Nygaard’s loan ending does not necessarily point towards the end of his Arsenal career. On the evidence of Brabrand’s comments, Arsenal are still very much invested in his development.Lucas Nygaard playing for Brabrand IF (Photo via Brabrand IF on Instagram)
• Midfielder wants Arsenal over Tottenham as Spurs prepare 2nd bidTottenham are ready to push again for the Newcastle midfielder, but Arsenal’s interest could change the shape of the race.NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but Arsenal are understood to be his preference if the Premier League champions firm up their interest in the Newcastle United midfielder.Tottenham are expected to return with an improved offer after seeing an opening bid rejected, with Spurs ready to push hard for a deal and currently regarded as the most advanced club in the race. The potential fee remains the obvious complication, with Newcastle under no immediate pressure to sell a player who is under contract at St James’ Park until 2029, with an option for a further year.Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan three years ago in a £55m deal and has since become one of their key players. Despite Newcastle’s financial difficulties, which forced them to sell Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, the club are still likely to demand a substantial fee for the Italy midfielder.LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Newcastle United FC at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Reports differ slightly on the size of Tottenham’s rejected opening bid, with one figure put at £75m and another in the region of £80m, but the direction of travel is clear. Spurs are preparing to try again, and Roberto De Zerbi is central to their push.Arsenal’s position is more complicated. James McNicholas has reported for The Athletic that Mikel Arteta remains a fan of Tonali, though the length of the midfielder’s contract means any deal may prove prohibitively expensive. David Ornstein has also confirmed interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, adding that Andrea Berta contacted the player’s agent in the January transfer window.Newcastle were unwilling to do business then, while the asking price was beyond Arsenal’s budget at that stage, anyway. The price does not appear to have come down, although Newcastle now seem open to a deal if a club meets their valuation.BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 19: Krystian Bielik (R) of Poland competes for the ball with Sandro Tonali (L) of Italy during the 2019 UEFA U-21 Group A match between Italy and Poland at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 19, 2019 in Bologna, (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)That leaves Arsenal with a decision to make. Tonali’s preference, if Arsenal firm up their interest, gives the champions an obvious advantage over Tottenham, particularly with Champions League football.Spurs, by contrast, may need to be more aggressive. Back-to-back 17th-place finishes have left them in a very different market position. If Newcastle’s valuation proves too high for Arsenal and City, Tottenham’s best/only chance may be to overpay where their rivals will not. The price of desperation.Newcastle, meanwhile, are already following up their their long-standing interest in Kees Smit as they prepare for Tonali’s possible departure. The Netherlands midfielder, rated at £60m by AZ Alkmaar, is also attracting strong competition, which underlines the scale of the moving parts around all deals this summer.NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is fouled by Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC at St James’ Park on November 02, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
• Arsenal make £100m Villa man number 1 targetVilla value the England international at no less than £100m, with Arsenal expected to open talks in the coming weeks.KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Morgan Rogers #17 of England trains during an England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Arsenal have reportedly made Morgan Rogers their number one target for the summer, but Aston Villa are expected to demand more than £100m for the England international.Arsenal are hoping to sign Rogers for around £80m, which reflects his current valuation, but Villa are in a strong position. The 23-year-old signed a new contract in November that runs until 2031, meaning they have little pressure to sell on the cheap, even if they do have European financial issues to worry about.According to The Guardian, Arsenal are expected to begin talks with Villa in the coming weeks, although there is little expectation that any deals involving World Cup players will be completed before the tournament is over, or before the player’s country has been eliminated, at least.Rogers scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances last season as he helped Villa win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League.The situation could be helped by Unai Emery’s interest in wide players. Emery is believed to have an eye on Gabriel Martinelli, which could ease discussions between two clubs whose relationship is far from ideal at present.KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 18: Morgan Rogers #17 of England warms up before a England takes on Sporting KC in a scrimmage at Swope Park Villiage on June 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)Rogers is primarily an attacking midfielder, and where he would fit into Arsenal’s squad remains an open question. He can play wide, but his best position is through the middle.Martin Odegaard remains a huge favourite of Mikel Arteta, but he is being increasingly linked with a possible exit as Arsenal look at players who can add more goals and creativity. Even so, there is still no clear indication that Arteta is ready to let him go. However, Odegaard is now heading into the final two years of his current contract, and there have been no reports of talks over a new deal.Rogers is believed to be keen on the idea of joining Arsenal and was reportedly the first player in the England camp to greet the Arsenal players when they arrived.Villa’s position, however, is clear. Rogers is under contract until 2031, and, as things stand, unlikely to be allowed to leave for less than £100m.ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Morgan Rogers #17 of England inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
• Saka fitness boost for EnglandThe winger missed group training over the weekend but has now reportedly trained as normal, although Noni Madueke is still expected to start.ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Ivan Perisic #14 of Croatia helps up Bukayo Saka #7 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)Bukayo Saka has handed England a fitness boost ahead of their second World Cup match, against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday night.Saka has been struggling with an Achilles injury since March and has been managed carefully by both Arsenal and England. The winger sat out group training over the weekend, taking part instead in individual sessions, but he has now reportedly trained as normal before Tuesday’s game.ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Noni Madueke #20 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Dallas, United States. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Thomas Tuchel has already suggested Saka will not start, with Noni Madueke expected to keep his place as England protect the Arsenal winger for the knock-out stages.Saka came on for the final 18 minutes against Croatia and registered an assist.“I’m not in the physio department, but he hasn’t missed a day of training, so I think that’s a good thing,” Tuchel said via ESPN. “I think he’s played so many games throughout these last few years. You can see he’s a crucial player for Arsenal. He’s a top quality player and he brings quality to the pitch, for Arsenal and England.“I think he’s very important, as everyone can see. Managing niggles going into a competition is very important for the latter stages. You need important players like him to be ready to play and step up when called upon.”Declan Rice, meanwhile, has revealed he has been struggling with a hamstring issue for the last six months.Bukayo Saka #7 and Declan Rice #4 of England react after the 4-2 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)