Aaron Ramsey could consider leaving Arsenal at end of season, believes Frank Lampard
AARON RAMSEY could consider leaving Arsenal, according to Frank Lampard.
The Welsh international will enter the final year of his contract in the summer and the Chelsea legend insists the Gunners must keep hold of the 27-year-old long-term and build the team around him.
Lampard reckons Ramsey can take his game to another level and wonders with all the big name incomings at the Emirates, if the Welshman has ever felt like Arsene Wenger’s main man.
Lamps told the : “ I’m an admirer of Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal must try to secure his long-term future at the club.
“Ramsey has just over a year left on his contract and once again Arsenal have got themselves in a position where one of their key player’s deals is running out.
“It will probably come as no surprise to people that I like Ramsey.
“Like me, he makes late runs in the penalty area and he showed that with aplomb for the second goal at AC Milan last week.
“One wonders if he’s ever felt he’s the main man at Arsenal and that’s maybe why he might consider looking elsewhere.
'I'D BE AMAZED' Arsenal legend Ray Parlour reveals he would be shocked if club let Hector Bellerin leave for £50m
“I feel some sympathy for him because his position has changed over the years at the club.
“Sometimes, because they’ve had so many attacking midfielders, he’s been dropped further back.
“He is class when at his best and I do feel there is another level for him to strive for.
“He showed great quality at the 2016 European Championships.
“Arsenal need to keep their good British players and build the team around them, with more strength and power as a priority.
The Gunners have responded after the shambolic defeat at Brighton with wins against Watford after their excellent showing at AC Milan in the Europa League.
The former England international expects them to progress past the Italians, but despite a two goal advantage from the first leg he does not think it will be straight forward.
Lampard continued: “After showing good character in beating AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League tie last week, Arsenal should progress on Thursday.
“But Arsene Wenger’s side have had problems defensively this season and you do suspect they will give away opportunities.
“Their fans still won’t be completely confident because they know Arsenal always have a bad performance in them.”