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Arsenal transfer news: Gunners chief vows to avoid repeat of Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez situations again

The Welsh international has left Arsenal on a free transfer to Juventus after failing to agree on a new contract

Jack Rathborn
Tuesday 21 May 2019 10:13 BST
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Aaron Ramsey to join Juventus on reported £400,000-a-week deal

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Arsenal are determined to avoid a repeat of the Aaron Ramsey situation with players winding down their contracts to compromise the club’s future.

Ramsey will leave the club on a free transfer this summer for Juventus, with his lengthy contract negotiations a pattern at the club recently.

Mesut Ozil eventually extended his deal, while Alexis Sanchez refused to sign, leading to the club selling him to Manchester United in January 2018 to avoid losing him for nothing that summer.

And managing director Vinai Venkatesham insists the club have shifted their policy, meaning players with two years remaining on their contracts must decide: extend or be sold.

“When we are selling players we need to maximise the funds we get to reinvest in the team,” Venkatesham told the club’s website.

“We need to be really disciplined when we are dealing with senior players who are not towards the end of their careers.

“So that means we have to start making the difficult decisions when they have two years left on the contracts.

Aaron Ramsey waves goodbye to the Arsenal fans (Getty)
Aaron Ramsey waves goodbye to the Arsenal fans (Getty) (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“We’re either going to renew those contracts or we’re going to be selling them.

“We’re going to have to be brave in those decisions because we can’t be in a situation where we’re allowing players to walk out of the door for free unless they are coming towards the end of their careers.”

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