Ramsey in Italy rehearsal ahead of Juventus move

PARIS

Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure vies for the ball with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey (L) during the English Premier League soccer match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road stadium in Watford, England on April 15. (AP Photo / Matt Dunham)

Aaron Ramsey will get an advance taste of life in Italy as Arsenal look to finish off Napoli in April 18’s return leg of their Europa League quarterfinal tie, ahead of his summer move to Serie A giant Juventus.

The Welsh midfielder, out of contract with Arsenal in June, will end an 11-year association with the Gunners after agreeing a jaw-dropping deal with Juve reportedly worth 400,000 pounds ($515,000) per week over four seasons.

Reduced to a bit-part player under Unai Emery, Ramsey’s recent form (he has three goals in his last six starts) has helped him regain a regular spot in the Arsenal side.

The 28-year-old, set to follow in the footsteps of countrymen John Charles and Ian Rush by switching England for Turin, excelled in last week’s 2-0 win over Napoli and struck the opening goal.

“We’ve given ourselves a great opportunity in the first leg, now it’s important to stick together and hopefully see out this quarterfinal,” said Ramsey.

“They’ve proved that they’re a quality team and are second in Serie A, so they’re a tough team to play against.

“From a few years back, we know that they’re a tough team to play against and it will be a difficult place to go.”

With Ramsey set to join soon-to-be Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar as one of the best paid players in the world, the Welshman’s Arsenal farewell could coincide with the final in Baku on May 29.

“I haven’t thought about that but hopefully,” said Ramsey, who departed Cardiff for Arsenal after appearing in the 2008 FA Cup final.

“We’ve started this first leg well so hopefully we can finish the job and get ourselves in the hat for the next round.”