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Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the club have adopted the right stance in the ongoing contract saga with Aaron Ramsey, he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
What’s the word?
Unai Emery’s Arsenal side are flying high after nine consecutive victories in all competitions but, while everything is clicking on the field, there is still plenty of change taking place behind the scenes in North London.
One of the biggest ongoing stories concerning the Gunners in the contract saga with Aaron Ramsey, who looks set to leave at the end of the season after the club pulled out of negotiations with the 27-year-old Wales international.
With his contract due to expire next year, Arsenal could be set to lose another key player in the market but Gunners legend Ian Wright has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he believes the club have adopted the right stance in the saga.
What was said?
“I have to stick with Arsenal as they have to make this kind of stance because of the amount of players we’ve lost in this fashion. Of course Arsenal would want him to stay but they must make this stance.
“We’ve seen him [Ramsey] in the Euros dominating when he was absolutely fantastic, we’ve seen the season [2013-14] he has with Arsenal scoring 20-plus goals and was amazing, we’ve seen he can score in big games, winning cup finals.
“But in respect of a consistent performer for the season, making the difference in the league when he’s needed? When was the last time he’s done that? Are they going to pay the kind of money he probably wants when you’ve got someone coming through like Iwobi?
“The impact he’s made in the last few games Iwobi, coming on and he’s actually replaced Ramsey and he’s made an impact. Maybe Unai Emery has seen that.”
Is he right?
Ramsey has established himself as a favourite amongst Arsenal fans at the moment but his inconsistency has often caused frustration. While he is always capable of magical moments, like the stunning goal scored against Fulham on Sunday, he is equally capable of continued sub-par performances.
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The Wales international has hit double-figures for goals just three times in his decade at the club and his haul of 11 last term was his highest since his 16-goal season in the 2013-14 campaign. While that suggests he may be back to his best, it also provides evidence of his inconsistencies..
Arsenal can afford to go without Ramsey but the biggest question is whether the Gunners truly want that to happen, having lost a number of important players over the years. It remains to be seen whether the club have shut the door on negotiations completely or whether this is merely a bluff.
Either way, Ian Wright is spot on with his assessment of the situation.