Former Arsenal star reveals why Aaron Ramsey is delaying his contract extension

The midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his current deal

Aaron Ramsey joined Arsenal from Cardiff for a reported fee of £4.8 million in 2008. He has been a mainstay in the midfield since joining them, scoring 58 goals in 327 appearances in all competitions.

The 27 year old was a regular last season for the Gunners, scoring 12 goals and assisting 9 in 36 appearances in all competitions. But the club finished sixth in the Premier League and will miss the Champions League in this season.

The Welsh midfielder has entered the final of 12 months of his current deal and yet to commit himself to a long term agreement. Talks have been going on with his representative for a new contract over the past few months that have yet to result in agreement.

His future at the club following Arsene Wenger’s departure has been widely speculated on and generated interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Lazio among other clubs.

Premier League giants new manager Unai Emery even insisted before the start of the current campaign the he sees the Wales International as a key part of his future plans and has urged the club to offer him a new contract.

The Spaniard has also urged him to focus on training and playing football amid uncertainty over his future. He believes the contract talks is something for the club and his representatives to work out.

However, the player has featured in all the club’s Premier League fixtures this season. The London Outfit lost their opening 2 games against Manchester City and Chelsea but got their first win of the season against West Ham United on Saturday.

Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour believes Ramsey is delaying his contract extension with the club in order to secure his last big pay day.

Speaking to the Daily Star, the 45-year-old said: “It’s like any walk of life. If you’re working for someone you’re trying to get the best deal.

“It’s happened on a lot of occasions with a lot of players. This is his last big contract and his representative knows that. This is his last big pay day.

“When you get to 28, 29 you’re signing a three-year contract and when you’re 32 you’re not getting this sort of contract. He knows this has got to be right for him.”

He added: “He’s been there a long time, he does love the club, he does his best he can for the club and he scores some vital goals in cup competitions.