Subsequent to constant speculation since months, it now appears that Arsenal and Aaron Ramsey are finally set to part their ways. The Welsh international has one year remaining on his contract and apparently the London giants have withdrawn a previously offered extension.
A new + improved 4yr contract was recently agreed between Arsenal & Aaron Ramsey. But #AFC withdrew offer, are now not in a position to proceed. Most likely he’ll leave for free next summer, unless the perfect opportunity for both parties arises in January https://t.co/5EXUoIsZx2
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 27, 2018
The 27-year-old moved to the Emirates in 2008 in a £4.8 million move from hometown club Cardiff City. Since date Ramsey has made 337 appearances for the club, earning the title as the longest serving player in the current team. The midfielder who has scored winning goals in 2014 & 2017 FA Cup finals and was voted Player of the Season by fans last year, looks all set for an exit as reports reveal contract talks being broken down in the last 24 hours.
When manager Unai Emery was asked whether he considers Ramsey as important or not, the gaffer vaguely said [via Arsenal]:
“For me, every player is very important with their relation with the team. I consider each player an important space in the squad.”
Further when asked whether he has told the board he would like Aaron to stay, Emery said:
“There are three elements, three aspects. One is the player and also the player with their family and representatives. The other is the club and the other is the squad.
“My focus is always on the team. My focus is preparing with the players and only thinking about the match tomorrow. Each player has individual aspects to work or to do or to speak with the club or with the team, but my aspect for the focus, only to think, is the matches and preparing for the matches and to speak with the players if they are thinking and are very concentrated on work for giving us the best performance and to help the collective performance.”
The major cause for the Gunners withdrawing the previously agreed 4-year contract is the limitation on finance for the club. Signing seven players this calendar year and awarding new contracts to Mesut Özil, Reiss Nelson, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Emile Smith-Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah has taken its toll on the club’s spending ability. Offering a fresh and improved contract to Ramsey might restrict the club from acquiring further players in the subsequent season.
Despite the speculations regarding the player’s future, Emery remains positive. Asked if that would have an impact on the Welshman, Emery said:
“I think not. I am sure the best for us and the best for him is to take this opportunity to do the best performance each match. On Saturday he will be helping the team.”
The gaffer was true to his word as Ramsey was included in the starting XI as the North Londoners beat Watford 2-0.
Unai Emery says Aaron Ramsey's form will not be adversely affected by his contract running down.https://t.co/lGRa53aBAA pic.twitter.com/igO3PT5u1u
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 28, 2018
I personally believe that the box-to-box midfielder has been an imperative part of the club since joining a decade back. His absence will undoubtedly be felt if he departs from the Emirates.
However, his departure would clear up the number 10 position for Mesut Ozil and most likely bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the right wing, ending constant rotations and speculations for the respective positions. Ramsey has certainly been crucial but didn’t quite reach the potential he could. The club should take up on any offers received in the winter rather than letting him go for free next season.
