Arsenal must learn from their mistakes and extend Aaron Ramsey's deal | OneFootball

It seems that every time Arsène Wenger sits down to address the media, questions over Jack Wilshere’s contract talks dominate proceedings.

By contrast, Aaron Ramsey’s situation – arguably the more pressing negotiation of the two – seems to have slipped beneath the radar.

Having just steadied the ship after uncertainty over Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil, Arsenal look to be heading for a frustratingly familiar scenario with yet another key player.

In a sense, this season has provided a perfect microcosm of his career at the Emirates.

Ramsey is becoming increasingly influential to Arsenal and has been the only consistent performer in a broken side. However, coming off a run of five assists and two goals in six games, the Welshman suffered an injury that kept him out for the following nine.

Since his horrific leg break against Stoke in 2010, the former Cardiff midfielder has spent 421 days on the sidelines, missing 84 games in the process.

It could just be that he is an injury-prone player but it’s difficult to look back on that miserable day at the Britannia Stadium without regret.

However, when on form, you could argue that he is one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Ramsey thrives when given license to contribute at both ends of the pitch. His incredible engine was evident in the victory over Everton in October, when he ran eight miles during 90 minutes – the furthest distance covered in a Premier League match by any Arsenal player all season.

Often criticised for his lack of positional discipline, Ramsey is also beginning to time his forays forward to greater effect, allowing the Gunners to overload the opposition inside their own half instead of bursting towards the box at every opportunity.

He also provides something that no other midfielder at the club can on a regular basis: goals.

While his form has been a huge positive for the club, it could also prove problematic. Ramsey is in a strong negotiation position with just one year left on his deal.

It’s easy to see why he might be reluctant to commit his future to Arsenal. Despite Wenger’s insistence on seeing out his two-year-deal, uncertainty continues to cloud his future.

There’s also a new challenge to consider. In July, Ramsey will have been with the club for a decade. He has spoken in the past of being flattered by interest from abroad, and at 27 will be hoping to enjoy his peak at the highest level.

Ramsey is also entitled to ask whether or not Arsenal are progressing. The past two seasons have seen their domestic fortunes decline dramatically. If he were to leave, especially on a free transfer, there would be plenty of suitors.

Arsenal fans are understandably excited about what new backroom appointments Raul Sanllehi and Sven Mislintat could bring behind the scenes but the biggest decision this summer will be how to deal with this situation.

If the player indicates he won’t sign a new deal, will they have to sell? The club cannot afford to lose out financially as they did with Alexis.

From the club’s perspective it’s hard to imagine this team progressing next season if they lose him. Ramsey is the kind of talent Arsenal should be looking to build around, not dispense with.

The Gunners should follow the precedent they set with Özil and make Ramsey an offer that is too good to refuse. The longer this is allowed to go on, the more disruptive it becomes and instead of these situations being isolated they start to become the norm.

It’s time to find out whether Arsenal really have learnt from their mistakes.