download All Football App

Aaron Ramsey's Arsenal career is on the line

  /  autty

Aaron Ramsey's future at Arsenal is in doubt after he was dropped by Unai Emery for the defeat by Chelsea.

It is understood the decision not to start him at Stamford Bridge was in part because Emery was dissatisfied with the 27-year-old's display in the opening-day defeat by Manchester City.

A key player during the Arsene Wenger era, Ramsey was taken off against City after 54 minutes.

And there is growing uncertainty over the role Ramsey will play for Emery during the Spaniard's first season in charge at the Emirates Stadium.

With France Under 20 midfielder Matteo Guendouzi impressing during the opening weeks of the season after joining from Lorient and fellow signing Lucas Torreira working his way to full match fitness, Ramsey could find it difficult to hold down a place this season.

Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has started both of Arsenal's games this season.

Team-mates were surprised by Emery's decision to drop Ramsey given his importance to the team in recent years, while the player himself won't have been happy about his omission.

But the former Paris Saint- Germain boss is keen to change Arsenal's style and wants as much mobility in his midfield as possible, which could leave Ramsey vulnerable.

Mesut Ozil's substitution against Chelsea further points to the desire to have high energy in the centre of the park.

Emery said of his decision to take off the German: 'He works well, but we needed to keep more pressing on the pitch.'

All this comes at a time when Ramsey is talking to the Gunners about extending his contract after a decade in North London.

His deal expires at the end of the season, at which point he could leave as a free agent.

If a deal cannot be agreed before the end of the year, Arsenal may consider selling the former Cardiff man in January to recoup some sort of fee.

Manchester United and Chelsea both hold an interest in the midfielder.

Ramsey earns in the region of £110,000 a week and will expect a significant pay rise if he does sign a new contract at Arsenal.

However, he could earn in excess of £200,000 a week if he leaves for nothing at the end of the season.

Related: ArsenalRamseyEmery