Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been offered a contract extension which would see him remain at the Emirates Stadium until 2023 – earning significantly more than £110k-per-week.
The 27-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his current deal and could still leave for nothing next summer if the two parties can’t come to an agreement.
It’s taken the Gunners some time to put an offer on the table to Ramsey and now they’ll wait patiently to see if he negotiates terms or rebuffs the offer entirely. Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sell the midfielder if he won’t commit to an extension.
Emery believes Ramsey is Arsenal’s most important player
If Ramsey wanted reassurances over playing time next season, he needn’t worry about his position under new manager Unai Emery. The Spanish coach is a big admirer and plans to make Ramsey a key player whom he’ll build the squad around this summer.
The 27-year-old is certainly Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder and possesses qualities that make him deadly in both boxes. Ramsey joined the Gunners from Cardiff City in 2008 and has gone on to make 331 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 116 goals.
Last season, the Welsh international made 32 appearances across the board, contributing 23 goals and was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for his efforts. He’s clearly an important player moving forward, but Ramsey may not be so open to committing the best years of his career to the Gunners anymore.
There’s a lot to consider
Ramsey has spent 10 years at Arsenal, winning three FA Cups, and may feel the grass is greener elsewhere. The box-to-box player has been offered a deal that will see him turn 32 before his next contract expires, but will he be so open to spending his peak years at the Emirates?
The Gunners are coming off the back of their worst season under former Arsene Wenger, finishing sixth with 63 points and ending the campaign trophyless. It’s now the second consecutive season they’ve failed to finish in the top-four and Arsenal have now only won on trophy in three years.
It’s hardly surprising if Ramsey wanted to consider his options before signing the five-year deal with Arsenal, as the Gunners may not be the most attractive proposition he receives. He’ll be put up for sale if he won’t sign an extension this summer, but which clubs would be keen on his signature?
Where else could he go?
Offers haven’t quite come flooding in for Ramsey this summer, but he would have interest if his availability was made public. The 27-year-old is a long-time target of Manchester United, who nearly signed him before Arsenal in 2008, while Juventus are also said to be interested.
He’s still not been able to shake off his injury woes, but he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League nevertheless. Capable of scoring goals and creating chances for teammates, while also doing his defensive duties, Ramsey’s industry is one of his greatest strengths.
The Welshman is a cultured player who want take big risks in possession and would improve almost any side he joined.
