Arsenal has been warned by club legend Robert Pires to avoid making a second mistake this summer. The former France international is eager to see the Gunners avoid losing another key player in a summer which would see the club lose Aaron Ramsey. Pires, who won two league titles with Arsenal – including the 2003/04 season when the club went the entire league season unbeaten, expressed his anger that the Gunners would be losing Ramsey as he believes the Welshman is a key player who would help Mesut Ozil flourish even more at the Emirates Stadium.
While Ramsey is able to aid Ozil’s cause at present, he is destined to be heading out of north London at the end of the season, as the Wales international already has a pre-contract agreement in place with Serie A champions Juventus, a deal which Pires admits have a big hit on Arsenal as the club will be a miss him especially as he is walking away as a free agent. The Frenchman said: “I’m upset that Ramsey is leaving Arsenal and it’s a shame the player and Arsenal couldn’t come to an agreement as he will be missed. The club and players have to respect his decision and I’m glad he still receives a warm welcome with the Arsenal fans as I feel he still has a key role to play in how this season will end up.”
Pires added: “Emery needs to utilise Ramsey as often as possible until he leaves in the summer and he’s key to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season. I think Ramsey has been excellent for Arsenal and I would be surprised if he wasn’t given a warm send-off from the fans and club. It’s a great chance for Ramsey to play with some new players, including the likes of [Cristiano] Ronaldo and I wish him the best of luck.”
A member of the club’s famed ‘Invincibles’ squad from the 2003-04 season, Pires told BWIN of a current star: “It’s vital that Emery finds a space for Ozil in the first team. It would be a big step backwards for the club if they sell him. He recently extended his contract and there’s no arguing that he is one of, if not, the best player in Arsenal’s squad.”
