The reported Chelsea and Manchester United target Aaron Ramsey has been urged to stay at Arsenal this summer, by team-mate Alexandre Lacazette.
It is no secret the Welshman is having real issues agreeing to a new contract at the Emirates, with some reports the Gunners are not willing to meet his high wage demands, which are said to be up there with Mesut Ozi’s £350,000-a-week deal.
And that has led to a lot of speculation over the last few months that he could leave the club after ten years, with United and Chelsea both ready to delve into their transfer kitty and make a £50 million offer to the Gunners.
Indeed, Ramsey gave nothing away in a recent interview in which he was asked about his contract situation at the Emirates, stating that talks are in progress.
He recently told Sky Sports: ‘Talks are still ongoing, I’ve got nothing else to say about that.
‘We’ll see what happens, my agent and the club are talking.
‘I’m leaving that to them to discuss and figure out.
‘But we have to come to an agreement, that’s something that my agent and the club are discussing to try to get something done.’
But Alexandre Lacazette, who has become very close with the attacking midfielder, has told Ramsey that he needs to stay at the club and ignore transfer interest, as ‘He brings stability, quality and leadership.’
Lacazette told Sky Sports News: “Aaron has been there for about 10 years, he is like a legend at the club.
“We have to be respectful for everything he has done and of course with his quality he can help the team to be better. He brings stability, quality and leadership.
“He is an example for all the young players too, so of course we need Aaron in the team.”
Ramsey did not have the best of seasons last year in a Gunners shirt and for many, he didn’t deserve the player of the season or the kind of deal that he is reportedly asking for.
But with Unai Emery left with little time and no more money to fill the void of Ramsey if he does leave, it is important for the club that the club tie down one of their biggest, and longest serving players.