Aaron Ramsey has been urged to “sign now” at Arsenal, with Paul Merson “shocked” that a midfielder with an expiring contract is still at Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his current deal in north London.
Unai Emery has expressed a desire to get fresh terms in place, despite dropping the Wales international to the bench for a 3-2 defeat at Chelsea last time out.
Merson hopes an agreement can be reached with a key figure, with Ramsey likely to see more game time with the Gunners than he would if he explored interest being shown from afar.
The former Arsenal winger told Sky Sports: “I am shocked he is still there.
“He should just sign now.
“I thought Chelsea might come in for him. It is a massive football club.
“He plays every week for Arsenal. He could go elsewhere and might play 15 games.”
Merson has previously talked up Ramsey’s importance to the Arsenal cause and considers the all-action midfielder to be crucial to Emery’s plans, with a proven Premier League performer capable of both creating and scoring vital goals.
“Arsenal can’t afford to lose him,” Merson said.
“He is their best finisher out of the midfield players they’ve got. He usually gets into double figures. If they get rid of him they have to replace him.”
