MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 18:53:00| >> :60:398:398:

Frank Lampard: 'Arsenal should build around Aaron Ramsey'

Lampard: 'Arsenal should build around Ramsey'
© Offside
Frank Lampard suggests that Arsenal can build their team around Aaron Ramsey, warning that the Gunners risk losing a key man if a new contract is not signed.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has urged Arsenal to tie Aaron Ramsey down to a new long-term deal and build the team around the midfielder.

The Wales international is said to be stalling on penning fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium as he is not happy with the wages being offered.

Ramsey, who has been a part of the Arsenal fold for a decade since arriving in a £5m deal from Cardiff City, is due to see his current contract expire at the end of next season.

Lampard has talked up the importance of the two parties reaching an agreement, and says that the 27-year-old is deserving of more credit.

"I'm an admirer of Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal must try to secure his long-term future at the club," he told the London Evening Standard. "Ramsey has just over a year left on his contract and once again Arsenal have got themselves in a position where one of their key player's deals is running out.

"It will probably come as no surprise to people that I like Ramsey. Like me, he makes late runs in the penalty area and he showed that with aplomb for the second goal at AC Milan last week. One wonders if he's ever felt he's the main man at Arsenal and that's maybe why he might consider looking elsewhere.

"I feel some sympathy for him because his position has changed over the years at the club. Sometimes, because they've had so many attacking midfielders, he's been dropped further back. On the other hand, I accept there maybe doubts over whether he performs consistently enough.

"He is class when at his best and I do feel there is another level for him to strive for. He showed great quality at the 2016 European Championships. Arsenal need to keep their good British players and build the team around them, with more strength and power as a priority."

Ramsey has been used 26 times in all competitions for Arsenal this season, scoring seven goals and setting up six more.

ID:320795: cacheID:320795:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2893:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsene Wenger watches on during the Premier League game between Everton and Arsenal on October 22, 2017
Read Next:
Keown: 'Europa League a lifeline for Wenger'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!