Aaron Ramsey scored the winning goal for Arsenal on Friday night after coming on from the bench, but is there reason to be worried about his future?
The Welshman has shown on a number of occasions that he has the ability to play at the highest level, but numerous injuries have stunted and slowed his progression over the years, and there are always worries that we could lose him to injury at any point in the season.
Jack Wilshere’s regular fatalities have all-but ended his career as a Gunner, and is expected to leave the club this month, but Aaron Ramsey is surprisingly free from speculation at present, despite having entered the final 12 months of his career.
The former Cardiff midfielder has been flourishing in the new 3-4-2-1 system alongside Granit Xhaka in 2017, and has always seemed content in an Arsenal shirt, but why has there been no contract extension agreed?
There is no indication that talks have even taken place over a new deal, although you would assume that there have been sit-downs on a number of occasions this late into it, and his importance has grown consistently over the years.
The Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil sagas appear to have taken priority, and that better not allow both the Ox and Ram to lose patience with the club. I would certainly feel unappreciated if my contract was allowed to run so far without progress on new terms, and others being prioritised would only enhance that thought process.
Could our club be shooting themselves in the foot by overlooking these two key squad members? Does Ramsey deserve to be a first-team regular every week? How much of a blow would it be to lose Ox/Ram?
Pat J