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Arsenal news: Sky Sports pundit reveals the worst thing about Aaron Ramsey leaving
AARON RAMSEY leaving Arsenal at the end of the season means he will play the peak years of his career away from the club.
Arsenal fan SLAMS club for Aaron Ramsey contract expiry
That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Southampton and Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham.
Aaron Ramsey is out of contract next summer and reports claim he will not be offered an extension.
Arsenal withdrew an offer to Ramsey earlier this season and not look set to allow the Welshman to leave for free.
Ramsey, 27, has been at Arsenal since joining them from Cardiff in 2008.
He’s a player probably not even at his peak yet and potentially his peak years are going to be away from Arsenal
He has played almost 350 times for the club in all competitions and has scored two FA Cup final winners during his time in north London.
Higginbotham admits he is surprised Arsenal have allowed Ramsey’s contract situation to get to this stage.
And he says the midfielder, who is 28 on Boxing Day, will end up playing his best football at another club.
“It has surprised me,” Higginbotham said.
“I think he’s an integral part of Arsenal Football Club, he’s been there a long time.
“I think there are a number of new players coming to the football club.
“He’s a player probably not even at his peak yet and potentially his peak years are going to be away from Arsenal.
“I think obviously in January he can speak to clubs abroad, I think Juventus were actually linked a month or so ago. So he’s going to have plenty of options.
Aaron Ramsey to Liverpool would be 'incredible' says Mariner
“In my opinion a lot of people say ‘well his time’s coming to an end’ but I think it’s a shame.
“It’s going to be another top-class player that Arsenal are going to lose that didn’t really have to get to this position.
“Because like I say, he would be a fantastic player for any team in the Premier League.”
Ramsey helped the Gunners beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Arsenal face Liverpool at the Emirates in the Premier League this Saturday (5.30pm).