Chelsea are set to swoop for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The 27-year-old is in the last twelve months of his contract and can leave the Emirates on a free transfer next summer, ahead of the prime years of his career.
Chelsea believe they can grab the Wales international before the close of the transfer window at a rock-bottom fee if negotiations stall. Unai Emery, Arsenal’s new head coach, hopes it won’t come to that and is determined the player should stay.
Speaking on the club’s pre-season trip to Singapore, Ramsey made it clear he is minded to remain at Arsenal. “We’ve yet to come to an agreement,” he said. I still have a year left and it is a great feeling to play here.”
However, the club is acutely aware of the farcical nature of Alexis Sanchez’s departure and the ill-will the situation generated with supporters. They are determined to avoid the same with Ramsey.
For the Welshman, it’s in his interests to let negotiations drag. His representatives will have noticed how Mesut Özil’s contract situation played out and the bumper pay packet it brought the player. There’s no suggestion Ramsey is asking for the same salary levels.
Arsenal want the situation resolved before the start of the season, but are in no position to put deadlines on talks. The legacy of the contract mismanagement at the club is yet to be fully resolved with Aaron Ramsey set to benefit.
