Alex Iwobi says the Arsenal squad are united in their desire for Aaron Ramsey to stay despite the collapse in talks between the club and Welsh midfielder over a contract extension.
Arsenal withdrew from talks with Ramsey late last month despite a deal between the two parties for a four-year extension at around £200,000-per-week being agreed, with Unai Emery’s struggles fitting the 27-year-old into the first team and a wage budget stretched to £200million per annum being two contributory factors.
The Gunners are expected to try to sell Ramsey in the January transfer window but the Wales international may opt to reject any move and instead hold out until the summer, where he could earn a lucrative signing on fee and wages. He is also free to reach a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England in the new year.
Juventus, AC Milan and Liverpool are all monitoring Ramsey with interest but Iwobi hopes for a change of heart from Arsenal.
"He’s a great player. When I was breaking into the first team, I always used to watch and learn things for him. I am still doing that today, " Iwobi told BT Sport.
"It would be a great miss if he goes but hopefully he can stay.
"We all want him to stay. Hopefully it can get sorted.”
In Pictures | Qarabag vs Arsenal | 04/10/18
Iwobi’s comments echo those of Arsenal legends Robert Pires and Sol Campbell, who told Standard Sport earlier this week that it would be “a mistake” to lose Ramsey on a free.
Ramsey did not travel with the Arsenal squad to Baku for their 3-0 win over Qarabag in the Europa League as he and his wife await the birth of twins. It is not yet clear whether he will feature against Fulham on Sunday.
