Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey emerges as Chelsea transfer target as Welshman admits: I’m not Gunners’ top priority
Midfielder's contract has been allowed to run down while North London club battled to tie down Mesut Ozil
CHELSEA are considering swooping for Aaron Ramsey, according to reports.
The Wales star's deal expires next summer and he admitted Arsenal do not consider his contract situation a top priority.
Speaking after the Gunners' 3-1 win over AC Milan last night, he told BT Sport: "Nothing to comment on at the moment, I think they've been busy to tie up other contracts at the moment."
When asked whether sorting out his own future was not top of Arsenal's agenda, he said: "I think so."
Negotiations with Mesut Ozil and failed talks with Alexis Sanchez dominated Arsenal's internal business in the last few seasons.
claim Chelsea are set for a squad overhaul following this year's failed season.
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And they could move for Ramsey, 27, after snapping up his old team-mate Olivier Giroud in January.
Cesc Fabregas is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer while fellow midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has flopped since joining from Monaco for £40million in the summer.
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Ramsey, who has seven goals in all competitions this season, signed for Arsenal in a £5m deal from Cardiff as a 17-year-old in 2008.
Injuries have rocked his Emirates career but he has still managed to win three FA Cups with the Gunners.
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He was also named Arsenal Player of the Season in the 2013-14 campaign where he smashed in 16 goals.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard warned Arsenal to focus their efforts on tying Ramsey down to a new contract.
He said: "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 players’ deals is running out.
“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 Championship.
“Arsenal need to keep their good British players and build the team around them, with more strength and power as a priority.”
