- The midfielder is set to leave at the end of the season once his deal expires
- Juventus are the preferred choice of the player, and have expressed interest
- Unai Emery outlined that he did not want the Welshman to leave this month
- This may change if Arsenal can get Mehdi Benatia, according to reports in Italy
Aaron Ramsey could leave Arsenal this month rather than at the end of the season when his contract expires, with Juventus holding a player who Unai Emery is believed to be keen to add to his squad.
Arsenal may sanction an early departure for the Welshman should they be able to sign Morocco international Mehdi Benatia from the Italian champions, as report Gazetta dello Sport in Italy.
Reinforcements in defence remain a priority for Emery as he looks to go about strengthening his Arsenal back line, and 31-year-old Benatia comes with a strong reputation.
Having entered the final six months of his contract, Ramsey has been free to speak with European clubs keen to contest for his signature.
Speculation has mounted over whether the Wales international has already put pen to paper with Juventus, though this has not been confirmed by Arsenal or the Italian club.
Should they not wish to negotiate over Benatia, Juve will have to wait until the summer to get the 28-year-old - who is believed to be poised to become the club's third-highest earner behind superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and the prodigious Paulo Dybala.
Arsenal however appear to be preparing for Ramsey's departure, whether it comes sooner rather than later.
The Gunners have this week been discussing a deal for Barcelona's £20million-rated attacking midfielder Denis Suarez.
Emery previously worked with Suarez when the youngster arrived at his Sevilla team on loan for the 2014/15 season.
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