Arsenal legend, Nigel Winterburn, has said Manchester United and Chelsea will battle it out for the signature of Gunners midfielder, Aaron Ramsey.
Ramsey is out of contract at the end of the season and talks over an extension have not progressed.
Winterburn, who won six major honours with Arsenal, noted that Ramsey is waiting to see what effect Unai Emery has on the club.
“I think Ramsey isn’t committing to a new Arsenal contract because he wants to see where they finish this season,” he told Sportingbet.
“With a new manager coming in, there’s a lot of uncertainty around the club and I would probably do the same.
“I think Ramsey loves the club, but he is looking around the dressing room and he isn’t convinced this group of players can qualify for major honours in the near future.
“Ramsey will want to find out Emery’s plans for him and the signings he is looking to make before he decides if Arsenal can match his ambitions.
“The conundrum for Arsenal is that Ramsey will be looking at the money on the table and thinking it is short of what he should be earning and could be earning elsewhere.
“Ramsey will be looking at what the players around him are being paid and he will want to be on a level playing field with the top performers at the club.
“Ramsey is perfectly entitled to ask for a wage he feels reflects his ability.
“If he is playing well regularly then he deserves to demand a salary on par with Ozil.
“With less than a year remaining on his contract, Ramsey is in a very strong negotiating position and is also a very attractive proposition for a lot of big clubs around Europe.
“I’m sure lots of top clubs are monitoring the situation and are ready to poach him.
“I think Manchester United and Chelsea will both battle it out to sign him if they feel he is seriously considering leaving Arsenal.
“I don’t think he could get into the Manchester City and Liverpool teams, but it would hurt Arsenal fans to see another of their superstars leave to a Premier League rival.
“I hope Ramsey signs a new contract at Arsenal.”
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