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James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will reportedly wait until January before deciding whether to extend his contract with the club.
Ramsey has less than a year to run on his deal, prompting speculation that this may be his final season at the Emirates Stadium. According to Steve Stammers of the Mail on Sunday, the rumours about a possible exit are unlikely to be put to bed anytime soon, with the Wales international poised to delay signing an extension until 2019.
“Talks are ongoing, but Ramsey is now likely to wait until the start of next year,” Stammers said. “He will then be able to listen to offers from clubs in Europe and be entitled to sign a pre-contract to join at the end of this season, when he will be a free agent. That will be a replication of the strategy adopted by [Mesut] Ozil last season.”
Ozil signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal earlier in the year, although Alexis Sanchez, whose contract was also poised to expire in the summer, joined Manchester United in January.
For new Arsenal manager Unai Emery, the issue is far from ideal. He’s seeking to build a team capable of getting back in the UEFA Champions League after taking over from Arsene Wenger. Ramsey, you sense, will be crucial for the Gunners if they are to do that.
As Sachin Nakrani of the Guardian noted, the former Cardiff City man was a big influence in the team’s 3-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday, Emery’s first victory since taking over:
Sachin Nakrani @SachinNakrani
One of the reasons Arsenal have taken the lead is here is because of the driving runs of Aaron Ramsey. Broken lines, got in behind the visitors' defence, caused panic and created chances. Something you simply wouldn't have got from Mesut Ozil in the same position.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Gunners in recent years and offers a directness and incision from his central-midfield berth.
Ramsey may not measure up to the likes of Ozil or Henrikh Mkhitaryan in terms of technical ability, but he’s intelligent in terms of his off-the-ball movement and his decision-making in dangerous areas. Additionally, the midfielder has shown he has an eye for big goals, as he’s netted the winners in two FA Cup final successes for Arsenal.
James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Losing him would be a big blow for the team, especially at a time when there is so much flux at the Emirates Stadium following Wenger’s departure. As Arsenal writer James McNicholas noted, at the moment there appears to be an impasse between the player and club:
gunnerblog @gunnerblog
Weird isn't it: all summer we hyped today as 'd-day' for Ramsey, and yet it's deathly quiet. Can only assume the club have told suitors they have no interest in selling, while the player still refuses to sign. Stalemate. To be continued.
If this saga continues until January, then Arsenal will once again be left with a big decision to make regarding one of their key players. Selling Ramsey for a knockdown fee midseason would be far from ideal, but losing him for nothing in the summer would be galling.
Ramsey appears to enjoy life at Arsenal and has an affinity with supporters thanks to his memorable displays in big games. If the Gunners were able to get an extension sorted sooner rather than later, it would be one less thing for Emery to worry about.
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