The Latest on Aaron Ramsey to LFC

After sources reported that contract negotiations between Arsenal midfielder and Wales international Aaron Ramsey and the club broke down, the transfer rumors went wild. With a contract running out in June, it means he’s a free transfer. Ramsey has been a dominant fixture at Arsenal for over ten years. He’s the current leading active goal scorer in the club with 59 goals. At 27 years old, he has one goal and three assists this season so far and started six league games this season.

Since last summer, rumors linked him with a move to Liverpool, going so far as to imply that Klopp had an interest in signing him. But the club quickly stated they were only concentrating on outgoing transfers at that point in the window.

Now, with news of the contract breakdown, Sky Sports is reporting that LFC has no interest in him. While he’s a proven Premier League player and certainly not a downgrade to many of our midfield options, the problem with Aaron Ramsey lies in the wages.

Özil chips a pass into the CSKA box, where Ramsey immediately beats Akinfeev for the goal. April 5, 2018.

Arsenal probably had the same issue on the heels of signing stars Lacazette and Aubameyang, in addition to renewing Mesut Ozil’s contract at £300,000 a week. The failed contract negotiations between the Gunners and Ramsey were rumored to be upwards of £200,000 a week. Since he’ll be able to sign on a free, in addition to a signing bonus, he’s going to demand similar wages wherever he ends up.

LFC may not want to upset the wage dynamics for a midfielder who would essentially be adding depth to our injury-prone midfield. Besides, Ramsey’s contract is up in the summer, right on the heels of what will hopefully be the glorious return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from injury, bringing any creativity and technical ability that Ramsey might offer in spades. There’s no doubt he’s a talented player, what’s doubtful is the amount of playing time he’d get in a midfield roster that’s already competitive and ripe with skillful, dynamic players.

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