Arsenal transfer news: Aaron Ramsey still waiting for an explanation over cancelled contract talks

Ramsey is still uncertain why Arsenal backed out of negotiations, although has ruled out a move to Tottenham

Aaron Ramsey has admitted that he is still waiting to learn why Arsenal unexpectedly withdrew their offer of a new four-year contract, with the Wales midfielder set to leave the club for nothing next summer.

Ramsey, Arsenal’s longest-serving player, was on the verge of committing his future to the club when negotiations suddenly broke down, with no explanation offered to him.

His existing contract expires on 30 June 2019 which means the 27-year-old will become a free agent next summer. Ramsey could be sold in January although he has previously said he wants to see out the season at The Emirates.

And, after captaining Arsenal to a 1-0 victory in the Europa League over Sporting, Ramsey said he is still uncertain why the club backed out of negotiations, and that there have been no further talks between the two parties.

“Well, there is no contract on the table at the moment so there is nothing for me to consider or whatever,” he said.

“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. Something happened, I am not sure exactly what, but that contract is no longer there, or nothing’s on the table.

“So I just have to get my head down, work hard and try and help this team as much as I can now. We’ll see where that takes me.”

When asked if he is still looking for answers over the collapse in negotiations, Ramsey replied: “I will see. Hopefully somebody will come up and tell me why. I’ll accept that if there’s a reason. At the moment, no, I haven’t.

“When the time is right, I probably will find out but that hasn’t happened yet.”

Ramsey was seeking a significant pay rise from his current contract, his demands influenced by how Mesut Özil secured a new £350,000-a-week deal last season. There were also rumours at the club that Ramsey has been the subject of a lucrative offer from China.

However Ramsey has said that he does not feel as though he is playing for a new contract.

The midfielder is poised to walk away on a free (Arsenal FC via Getty)

“No, I’m going out and playing the way I have always played,” he added.

“I try to give my best for the team, help the team and try and go out there and play the best I can for myself as well. Nothing’s in my head when I’m out there, I’m just trying to have fun on the football pitch.

“These things happen in football and I’m just concentrating on playing now. I’m not really thinking about anything else too much. I’ve got other things as well in my life that I’m delighted with. I had twins last week so everything is good at the moment for me. I can’t complain. I’m just going out there and trying to help this team as much as I can.”

When pressed about his plans beyond next summer, Ramsey was non-committal. “I’m not thinking about anything else apart from playing for Arsenal at the moment so we will see what the future holds further down the line,” he added. However he did rule out moving to Tottenham Hotspur.

Ramsey captained the club against Sporting (Arsenal FC via Getty)

For now the Welshman is focused on regaining his place in Arsenal’s starting Premier League line-up. Ramsey started six of Arsenal’s first seven league matches, but was restricted to late cameo roles in the recent wins over Fulham and Leicester.

“Yeah of course,” he said when asked if he has been frustrated by his recent lack of Premier League action.

“I think any player who is on the bench would be disappointed not to play but I’m part of the team and I want the team to do well. We are all in it together to try and achieve the same objective.”