Aaron Ramsey has shown Arsenal what they will get if they are “prepared to pay the money”, says Martin Keown, with the Wales international boasting the potential to become a club “great”.
The Gunners have so far been frustrated in their efforts to agree fresh terms with a man working on an expiring contract.
As things stand, Ramsey is due to drop into the free agent pool at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.
Keown has previously stated that he believes the 27-year-old is seeking pay parity with the likes of Mesut Ozil at Emirates Stadium, with it that stance which is proving problematic in talks.
Arsenal could, however, resolve the situation if they were prepared to meet the demands of a key figure, with Ramsey having proved once again with a goal in a 5-1 victory over Fulham just how important he can be.
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Keown told the Daily Mail of another unwelcome contract saga in north London: "[Ramsey] sent a clear message as he gestured with his arms outstretched in celebration.
"This is what you get if you are prepared to pay the money.
"[He] could have sulked after being named as a substitute but he is not that sort of player. He entered the fray hungry to make sure Arsenal won this match.
"When you are building something, it is crucial that you hold on to your identity. This is a player who has spent a decade with Arsenal, the scorer of winning goals in two FA Cup finals.
"New managers need players like Ramsey who acutely understand the demands of playing for their football club."
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Keown believes that Ramsey could go on to secure legend status at Arsenal if a fresh agreement can be reached, with it only right that a proven performer is seeking the best possible terms at the peak of his career.
The former Gunners defender added: “He is a role model in the way he works, trains and plays with such drive. Should he see out his career at the Emirates, Ramsey will go down as an Arsenal great.
“I understand why he would want to earn the same as the club’s recent acquisitions. At 27, this could be his last big contract and it is important for him that he makes the right decision.
“But think of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri. Too often Arsenal have developed promising players only to sell them.
“I would be immensely disappointed if Ramsey is allowed to leave.”
