Exclusive: Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal Don't Have Agreement Yet, But Talks 'Extremely Amicable'

Aaron Ramsey’s new Arsenal contract has been a regular point of discussion throughout the summer, with almost every Gunners supporter urging the club to wrap up talks and tie his long-term future to the club. Despite reports suggesting it was close, his agent confirmed Friday to International Business Times that talks were still underway.

The Welshman has entered the final-year of his deal with Arsenal and is yet to agree new terms. If the situation remains unchanged, he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England as early as January and leave the club on a free transfer next summer.

Ramsey is in his 10th year as an Arsenal player having joined in 2008 from Cardiff City and is currently the longest serving first-team regular. He is revered by his colleagues and having been the Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2017-18, everyone is keen to see him commit his long-term future to the club.

Unai Emery, who took over from Arsene Wenger this summer, also continually stated his desire to keep the Wales international at the club. The Spanish coach even named Ramsey as one of his five captains for the upcoming campaign.

"For me, I want him to stay with us, to work with us, to give the team the big performances with his quality. I think he is going to stay here with us,” Emery said last month.

“I think Aaron is an important player for us. The contract is one thing for the club and the player,” he added.

The 26-year-old was urged by his teammates earlier in the summer to remain at the club, while the midfielder also stated his desire to begin the new era under Emery. It was reported the club will look to offload him if he does not sign a new deal, but at the moment they look to be in a hurry to ship him out as all efforts are being made to retain his services.

Chelsea were said to be interested, but the English transfer window is now closed, while there seem to be reported interest from Italian club Napoli and Catalan giants Barcelona. Meanwhile, closer to transfer deadline day on Aug. 9, there were reports suggesting a deal had been concluded for him to remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

However, Ramsey’s agent David Baldwin confirmed Friday that talks between the player and the club were still underway, with both parties looking to come to a conclusion sometime in the near future.

The Welshman’s representative also insisted that talks between the club and player are “extremely amicable” while also recently refuting speculation that his client’s high wage demands is the reason for the delay in reaching an agreement.

“There is nothing really to say with regards to Aaron at the moment. Talks are ongoing and we hope to conclude at some point. Talks are extremely amicable,” Baldwin told IBT.