Arsenal stupid- claims ex-Arsenal star

Arsenal has been termed stupid by Paul Merson on how they have handled Aaron Ramsey’s contract situation.

Ramsey is expected to join Juventus after a five-year deal was reportedly signed. Arsenal allowed the Welsh international leave at the end of the current situation despite being an important figure for the club in the last few seasons.

“It’s stupidity from Arsenal to allow someone of Ramsey’s quality to let their contract run down. It’s yet another player after Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott. Players’ contracts come to an end then they all leave on frees.

“In footballing terms, it’s criminal. It’s like buying an £80m house, waiting for the leasehold to run out and losing the house. Arsene Wenger sorted out his contract every year but seemed to forget everyone else’s! I wouldn’t mind if all these players were 35 years of age or older, but they are in the prime of their careers when they are playing their best football ever.” Merson told Sky Sports.

Merson reckons Arsenal will need to splash out a huge amount of money if they want to make a replacement for Ramsey. To him, the club risks losing even Mesut Ozil for free if the contract issues are not sorted early enough.

“Arsenal can replace him but it’s going to cost £40m-£50m. That’s where the stupidity comes into it. Sanchez went for nothing and when Mesut Ozil’s contract ran down they have had to pay him an absolute fortune to keep him. It’s ridiculous.

“Ramsey can succeed in Italy, he’s a good player. He’s a midfield player that scores goals, he’s got experience. You’ve only got to look at Callum Hudson-Odoi potentially going for £35m, while Ramsey is going for free. One has potential, the other is absolutely proven.” Merson added.

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