Aaron Ramsey is into the final year of his contract with Arsenal and, as things stand, a renewal looks to be some way off. The club have offered the Welshman new terms – as stated by Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts to Football.London – but the midfielder is yet to accept.

What’s the word?

This negotiation stalemate leaves the Gunners in awkward but familiar territory. Only last season both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were in the same position as Ramsey with the club. In January, Sanchez joined Manchester United and Ozil signed a new deal at the Emirates Stadium to become the highest paid player in the club’s history.

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Here, the power lies with Ramsey. He knows that the North London club, and new manager Unai Emery, wish to retain his services. He is also aware that he stands a far greater chance of joining a huge club in the future if he is available as a free agent rather than if he is under contract at Arsenal. 

If the Gunners are serious about retaining the midfielder’s services, it’s going to cost them. Which is why they should consider cutting their losses.

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Life without Ramsey

As long as Ramsey doesn’t join a Premier League rival, his departure would be disappointing for Arsenal but not disastrous.

Whilst, on his day, the 27-year-old can be spectacular, those bright days aren’t all that often. Not only that, but there isn’t an obvious role for the 55-cap Wales international to play in the system being implemented at the club by Emery. The central midfielder berths are being contested by the likes of Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, whilst Mesut Ozil is probably the first choice candidate for the No. 10 role.

Ramsey has played regularly so far this season, but hasn’t been able to contribute greatly to Arsenal’s cause yet. Even whilst he’s still at the club, the Gunners are proving they could cope without Ramsey.

In an ideal world for Arsenal, Ramsey would stay – he’s still an important, long-serving member of the team. However, if he does desire to leave, the club shouldn’t waste vast resources on his retention and should instead just do all they can to ensure he doesn’t join a domestic rival.