Account
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey Won't Leave in January, Thought He Agreed to New Contract
October 12, 2018
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey does not want to leave the club in January despite the breakdown in negotiations between himself and the Gunners over a contract extension.
The Wales international's deal expires at the end of the campaign, prompting speculation that Ramsey would be sold midseason so that Arsenal don't lose him on a free next summer.
However, the player has said he is happy to remain at the Emirates Stadium for the rest of 2018-19, per Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph.
"Of course, yeah," he said when asked whether he would stay for the remainder of the campaign. "I am contracted to Arsenal, and I am going to do my best now this season to try to achieve something special."
James Benge of the Evening Standard isn't surprised the 27-year-old will opt to see out his Arsenal contract:
Ramsey also spoke about the collapse in negotiations between himself and the club, which looks likely to culminate in his departure.
According to the former Cardiff City man, as far as he was aware, talks were going well before the Gunners decided to withdraw their offer, per David Hytner of the Guardian:
"Everything has been going great with the club—we thought we were in a position where we had agreed a deal but that's no longer the case. So I just have to carry on playing my football and do my best for Arsenal this season, and I'll leave the rest with the club now.
"Am I disappointed? That's a decision that they have made and things happen in football, and you just have to get on with it and carry on playing the best I can. That's all I am concentrating on and giving my best for Arsenal."
Although Ramsey has never been a huge star at Arsenal, he's made many important contributions down the years, including two winning goals in FA Cup finals.
The Welshman showed what he can offer in the 5-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, as he started and finished a fine team move, bursting into the box and turning the ball home with a delightful flick.
Liam Twomey of ESPN FC doesn't think the midfielder will be short of offers when he's free to negotiate with other clubs:
After 10 years at Arsenal, a new challenge might benefit Ramsey—despite the obvious affinity he has with the north London outfit. According to James Olley of the Evening Standard, both Manchester United and Liverpool have already made their interest known to the midfielder.
Given Ramsey appears happy at Arsenal, there may be a slender hope that contract talks are restarted. Gunners fans can at least be content with the fact that he will be professional for the remainder of what looks likely to be his final season at the club.