Oxford united FC
Aaron Ramsey targets reunion with former Arsenal defender at Oxford
The 35-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked after the club lost their Sky Bet Championship status at the end of last season.
In his playing career, Ramsey won 86 caps for his country during a playing career which included spells with Cardiff, Arsenal, Juventus and Rangers.
He has also already cut his teeth in coaching with his national team as well as a spell in interim charge of the Bluebirds.
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Now, it is being reported that there could be an Arsenal reunion in Oxford for Ramsey with his former teammate, Carl Jenkinson.
The right-back was at fellow EFL League One side Bromley for the past two years, helping the club achieve promotion last campaign.
It was announced last month that Jenkinson would leave the team following the expiration of his contract, and now he could be on the move to Oxfordshire.
Greek sports journalist Dimitris Manakos posted on X: “Aaron Ramsey is targeting a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Carl Jenkinson at Oxford United!
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🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Aaron Ramsey is targeting a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Carl Jenkinson at Oxford United! 🟡🔵
Jenkinson is set to leave Bromley, the pair have stayed in touch over the years, and the experienced full-back is a player Ramsey is keen on as he begins his… pic.twitter.com/WDTlFtDmfu
— Dimitris Manakos (@dimitrismanakos) June 25, 2026
“Jenkinson is set to leave Bromley, the pair have stayed in touch over the years, and the experienced full-back is a player Ramsey is keen on as he begins his reign at Oxford.
“A deal is considered a real possibility, with Jenkinson’s leadership and experience seen as valuable additions.”
Jenkinson made 70 first-team appearances for Arsenal in all competitions between 2011 and 2019, scoring one Premier League goal.
The pair of players shared a dressing room together for eight years until both stars departed the Emirates Stadium in 2019.
READ MORE: When England and Euros hero Paul Gascoigne wore an Oxford United shirt
Alongside Arsenal and Charlton, Jenkinson has also played for Welling United, Eastbourne Borough, West Ham United, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest.
Then came a move over to Australia with spells at both Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets before the 34-year-old returned to the UK with Bromley.
Following the official announcement as the new manager, Ramsey said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Oxford.
“From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity.
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“This is a moment I have been preparing for over many years. I’ve played under some of the best managers in the game and experienced high-pressure environments throughout my career.
“I want to use what I’ve learnt to bring a culture of high standards, professionalism and work ethic to this talented group of players.
“My teams will play with a clear identity, be built on elite habits, with a commitment to improving every day. I want a squad that fights for the badge until the end and one that makes our supporters proud.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and can’t wait to get started, meet the players, and connect with our supporters as we strive to bring success.”
The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
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But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has insisted that Stanley Mills’ departure for Preston North End was ‘the best decision’.
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