‘Replacing Ramsey better than paying him’ – Wright supports Arsenal contract call

Arsenal have made the correct decision in letting Aaron Ramsey leave, says Ian Wright, with it possible that the funds saved on his contract could land “two, maybe three players”.

The Gunners have opted against handing an extension to their Wales international midfielder, with an offer taken off the table.

Ramsey has been left bemused by the decision not to discuss fresh terms, as he heads towards free agency, and is now being linked with leading sides across Europe.

Goal has revealed that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal, with it possible that the 27-year-old could be heading to Germany in 2019.

Arsenal legend Wright is not surprised to see clubs of such stature expressing an interest in Ramsey, but believes a parting of ways will prove of greater benefit to Unai Emery in the long run.

He told his personal YouTube channel: “He is a top player, when you get a top player like that who is going for free, you are going to have teams of that calibre [Bayern] coming for them.

“I think it might be the perfect time for us and for him to move on.

“I think the boss should be given now the time, especially the money, to try and find maybe one or two replacements for someone like Aaron Ramsey, rather than giving Aaron Ramsey the kind of money he was asking for.

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“Maybe we can get two, maybe three players at the 70, maybe £80,000-a-week level to come in and really bolster up the squad and contribute more.

“I think it might be time for Aaron to move on and I think it is a really good move for him, so hopefully we can, whether it is this window or the summer, we can get a few players in that fill that gap.

“It isn’t something I’m too disappointed about, I’m pleased for him and I’m pleased for the new ruthless Arsenal in respects of the way they are saying, ‘if that’s the way it is going to be, then that’s the way it is going to be’.

“I don’t think we are going to see too many more players running down contracts and leaving on their terms anymore.

“Unfortunately we see with Danny Welbeck – he was running his down and unfortunately he got injured and this is the jeopardy, when you are trying to run down your contract.”

Welbeck is another of those set to become a free agent at the end of the season, but there have been calls for him to be handed an extension as he starts out on a long journey of recovery from a badly broken ankle.