The idea of the transfer window closing early in England was the EPL managers getting tired of selecting players who’s future was up in the air, like the OX and Sanchez for Arsenal last season. The hope was everyone could start the season with a settled squad.
It was meant to eliminate the scenario we had last year when Oxlade Chamberlain made it apparent he wouldn’t sign a new contract regardless of the offer. It forced Arsene Wenger to pick someone who knew he wasn’t going to be around in a few days.
Aaron Ramsey will already know if he plans to do the same thing. A new deal has been on the table for a long time with all parties letting it run down to it’s final 12 months while his agent gets paid a lot of money to get the best possible salary for his client and his family. The best case scenario is to copy the tactics of Ozil, wait for the last possible second to demand your fee. The worst case is the midfielder waits till the end of the month to tell the board he doesn’t see his future in North London. From that moment on the priority will be not to make a rival stronger.
Let’s not be naive. People in power talk behind the scenes, feeders will have been put out to abroad. The player will already know if anyone is lining up a bid. Let’s say for example In a matter of days, Ramsey asks to leave and that is followed by a 40 million bid from Barcelona, should we sell?
Don’t criticise the Welshmen on this. He’s doing what any man would do. If there was an opportunity to get more money from your employer wouldn’t you maximise that possibility? He may also want away from the Emirates. Could you blame anyone for looking at who’s left, who’s come in and the ambition of the owner and wanting a new challenge?
So gooners, if an offer for Ramsey came in from abroad, do we have to take it? ….Obviously we can’t get a replacement till January.
Dan Smith