Arsenal have finally started negotiations with Aaron Ramsey just a few months before he enters the final year of his contract.

The Welshman alarmed supporters recently when he admitted that the club had not even begun talks with him over a new deal.

Speaking to BT Sport after the 3-1 win over AC Milan, Ramsey said, ”Nothing to comment on at the moment, I think they’ve been busy to tie up other contracts at the moment.” This was in stark contrast to reports last June that negotiations were already underway.

Reports have been rife that Ramsey would run down his contract in order to secure a massive payhike at Arsenal or get the best deal at another club by moving on a free transfer, however it’s hard to know how the papers are aware of what Ramsey wants when the claims were being made before negotiations had even started. Perhaps it was Ramsey’s agent laying down a marker for the club.

Ramsey is also believed to be wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus.

The 27-year-old has missed approximately 112 games due to fitness issues since joining Arsenal, and, since the start of 2014/15, Ramsey has picked up six hamstring injuries alone.

After a ‘small procedure’ on his groin, the Ramsey has returned to training and is expected to be involved with the squad this weekend as Arsenal welcome the Orcs to Ashburton Grove.