Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn thinks some of the Premier League’s top clubs will fight it out for Aaron Ramsey’s signature if the Welshman decides not to sign a contract extension with the Gunners.

Ramsey is in the final year of his current deal with Arsenal, meaning he could leave the club for free at the end of the season

Reports suggest he’s in talks over extending his deal, but for now it’s still a very real possibility that he doesn’t. Winterburn thinks there will be no shortage of suitors in that scenario.

“With less than a year remaining on his contract, Ramsey is in a very strong negotiating position and is also a very attractive proposition for a lot of big clubs around Europe,” Winterburn told Sportingbet. “I think Manchester United and Chelsea will both battle it out to sign him if they feel he is seriously considering leaving Arsenal.

“I think Ramsey isn’t committing to a new Arsenal contract because he wants to see where they finish this season. With a new manager coming in, there’s a lot of uncertainty around the club and I would probably do the same.

“Ramsey will want to find out Emery’s plans for him and the signings he is looking to make before he decides if Arsenal can match his ambitions.”

This is all just speculation, so until we hear from Ramsey or Emery himself, I wouldn’t too much into the comments. Nonetheless, based on interviews with the midfielder in the past, you always get the impression he has a lot of ambition, and wants to be at the top winning things.

If Arsenal look to be having another sixth-place season, without making any progress on last year, then the 27-year-old would likely start thinking about bringing his 10-year spell at the club to an end.

Winning a trio of FA Cups made it seem like the club were turning a corner, but a couple of trophyless seasons would probably worry Ramsey. He’s entering his peak years now, after all.

Let’s just hope Arsenal can keep their winning run going and stop that concern becoming a big issue.