AARON RAMSEY IS delaying his contract extension with Arsenal in order to secure ‘his last big pay day,’ according to former Gunners man Ray Parlour.
The Wales international is into the final year of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium and has repeatedly been linked with a departure, with Barcelona, Chelsea, Lazio and Manchester City all linked to his signature.
Parlour however believes that the 27-year-old will commit his future to Unai Emery’s side and that he is taking his time in order to secure the best possible financial result when he puts pen to paper.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the 45-year-old, who made 445 appearances for Arsenal between 1992 and 2004, 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.”
Ramsey arrived at the Gunners from Cardiff City in 2008 as a teenager and is a three-time winner of the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger.
Parlour feels that the Welshman’s lengthy association with the club will sway him into eventually remaining, adding:
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.
“Let’s hope they can get an agreement and I’m sure [the club] don’t want to lose Aaron so I’m sure there will be an agreement along the way.”
Ramsey and Arsenal have faced a difficult start to the new season, losing their opening two games to champions Manchester City and rivals Chelsea, before securing their first points at the third attempt with a 3-1 win against West Ham.
They next face newly-promoted Cardiff City on 2 September before the international break, after which they travel to Newcastle on 15 September.
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