Arsenal have confirmed to midfield ace Aaron Ramsey that they no longer intend to offer him a new contract with the club.
The Welsh midfielder star is out-of-contract at the end of the season and talks over an extension have faltered, amid speculation that the player wanted to leave.
Now, Arsenal have confirmed to Ramsey that no new deal will be offered and that he can leave – although it remains to be seen whether they will try and sell him in January, as they would be able to get back some money for him.
Ramsey revealed last week that nobody from the club had contacted him about the contract offer being withdrawn.
“We all know that the contract was taken away off the table. I’m not sure exactly why because a few weeks before we sort of agreed and I was ready to sign,” he said.
Ramsey is now set to become one of the most in-demand players in the coming few months – with clubs from home and abroad looking to seal his signature.
AC Milan, where former Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis is set to take charge, are leading the chase, but they have major competition, with Juventus also keen, whilst Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund are also keeping tabs on him.
Those foreign clubs could agree a pre-contract with Ramsey – who also has a host of Premier League clubs looking. The chance to land a player who would likely fetch beyond £30million in the current market, means all of Arsenal’s top-six rivals are keen.
Bookmakers currently make Liverpool and Man United favourites to land Ramsey.
Betway’s Alan Algersaid: “Plenty of clubs will be keen to sign Aaron Ramsey with confirmation that the midfielder’s 11 year stay at Arsenal will come to an end after this season.
“Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the Welshman in the past and they head the betting for his signature at 3/1.
“Chelsea will surely also been interested in Ramsey and they come next at 4/1, while a move abroad doesn’t look out of the question with Juventus available at 6/1.”