Aaron Ramsey to Rangers: how did the deal happen, why did ex Arsenal man leave Juventus and injury record

Rangers completed one of the biggest shocks in transfer deadline day history when they secured the services of former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a loan deal from Juventus until the end of the season.

The Welsh international was always expected to leave the Serie A side in January but it looked certain he would be heading back to the Premier League with several of England’s top flight clubs being touted as possible destinations.

However, the 31-year old shunned that interest and opted for a move north of the border to join the Scottish champions, just in time for their biggest game of the season so far as they head to Celtic Park for the Old Firm Derby on Wednesday night.

Here is everything you need to know about how the deal progressed, why the player left Juventus and how important he can be for the Gers this season...

How did Ranger sign Aaron Ramsey? Timeline of midfielder’s move from Juventus

Aaron Ramsey had been linked with a move away from Juventus since before the January transfer window even opened.

Having played just five games for the Turin side this season it was clear he would be looking to find more regular game time elsewhere with a loan move always the most likely option.

Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle United, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Burnley were all linked with the player at different times as were Championship side Bournemouth and a potential return to Arsenal was even briefly touted by some.

In the end it was Rangers who landed the player’s signature with Ramsey himself saying: “I had a number of offers on the table, but none matched the magnitude of this club, with European football and the chance to play in front of 50,000 fans every other week.”

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson added: “As soon as I was made aware of the opportunity we had to bring Aaron to Rangers around a week ago, we have worked really hard to secure his signature.

“I am thankful to Juventus for their professional approach and discretion. Juventus and Aaron had many significant offers from elsewhere and we are delighted that he has chosen Rangers.”

There were also questions about how the Ibrox club were able to afford the players substantial wages but Wilson confirmed that was not an issue, adding: “Any agreement we reach has to be within our normal wage model and Aaron’s desire to play here has enabled us to achieve this with Juventus’s cooperation.”

Aaron Ramsey injury record, will he play in Old Firm derby?

The Welsh midfielder has had a career which has been set back multiple times by several well documented injuries.

This season he has struggled for regular game time with Juventus and has not played since October when he as an 84th minute substitute in a Champions League fixture with Zenit St Petersburg.

Ramsey’s lack of match fitness may mean that Wednesday’s Old Firm Derby with Celtic at Parkhead could come a bit too early to see him thrust straight into the starting line-up.

It’s not entirely unlikely though and the player will be expected to feature in some capacity, perhaps as a substitute.

Rangers are currently top of the Scottish Premiership with Celtic just two points behind in second place.

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