Arsenal chiefs have confirmed they will be more aggressive with players who want to run their contacts down at the club. The Gunners are well known for letting contracts run down. Arsenal were forced to sell Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United – otherwise the Chile international would have left for free last summer. And Aaron Ramsey is the latest Arsenal star to leave for free.
The Wales international has signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Italy. Arsenal withdrew their contract offer to Ramsey, who was keen to stay in north London.
However, Arsenal director Josh Kroenke has confirmed the club’s stance has changed. He met with Arsenal fans on Monday – and told them they will plan for the long term. Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham and director of football Raul Sanllehi were also present at the meeting. They told supporters the Gunners must make ‘hard decisions’ when it comes to player contracts winding down.
Arsenal will now sell players who are refusing to commit to the club. The Gunners have impressed in spells under Unai Emery this season, with Arsenal now in the top four after beating United on Sunday afternoon. And Emery hailed his players after the game, claiming they deserved the win.