The transfer deadline closes next week and Aaron Ramsey is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. \u00a0With only one year left on his contract, Arsenal will either want to tie down the 27 year old Welshman or see if they can cash in on the player and find a worthy replacement. \u00a0Arsenal have not officially taken a hardline stance, and one year ago with Alexis Sanchez in a similar situation stated they would rather lose the player on a free transfer than sell to a rival. \u00a0But the bluff was called during the winter transfer window when we saw Sanchez move to Manchester United, and I think rightfully so most Arsenal fans were happy to get something in return for their loss.<\/p>\n
The truth is we could easily lose Ramsey to a rival for nothing next summer if he does not sign a new contract, so why wouldn’t we look to get something in return right now?<\/p>\n
Ramsey is a good player. \u00a0He may even be one of Arsenal’s better players. \u00a0But he is not a \u00a350m player. \u00a0He is not a player that would guaranteed walk into one of the top four sides in England and start.<\/p>\n
Arsenal are a big club. \u00a0Arsenal need to act like a big club. \u00a0Arsenal need to be reasonable and offer Ramsey a reasonable contract, but this has gone on long enough and it is time for Arsenal to be cut throat. \u00a0Arsenal should be seriously considering unloading Ramsey at this point and replacing him ASAP as there is precious little time left in the transfer window. \u00a0The truth is\u00a0these negotiations should have been wrapped up a long time ago, as now with the transfer window nearing its close Ramsey is the one holding the power.<\/p>\n
I’m surprised this wasn’t dealt with back when the Wilshere discussions were held. \u00a0I have always seen Wilshere as a box-to-box player similar to Ramsey, and when Wilshere left it seemed for all intent and purposes that Ramsey was set to stay. \u00a0That Arsenal had not solidified negations and had his signature on paper before dismissing Wilshere was a huge mistake. \u00a0Arsenal played their hand and left Ramsey in the drivers seat.\u00a0 Although there may not be a like for like replacement for Ramsey currently in the squad, I would still sell him before the window closes (assuming he refuses to sign a new contract) and plan to find a player of his caliber or better immediately if possible or come December worst case scenario. \u00a0I am a huge fan of Ainsley Maitland-Niles<\/a> and I think he could be better than Ramsey in the longterm. \u00a0Although he has been considered more of a defensive mid, with Torreira and Guendouzi also slotting into these deeper positions, Maitland-Niles may need to be pushed forward to get his chances regardless – and it’s time for him to play!<\/p>\n The bottom line is I know fans will be unhappy to see him go, and it will definitely hurt us in the short term, but Arsenal comes first. \u00a0Arsenal needs to show they are in charge and not be held hostage into handing out an exorbitant contract to a good but not great player.<\/p>\nRamsey’s Point of View<\/h4>\n