Lazio have emerged as surprising favourites for the signature of Aaron Ramsey, ahead of all of the Premier League’s big six, as the Welshman continues to run down his contract.

Bookmakers have Lazio ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City as the most likely next club for Ramsey. Even then, the Italian side are still at 8/1, so they’re not exactly odds on.

Nonetheless, they’re a long way ahead of Chelsea (25/1), despite all the links to the Blues this summer. Perhaps the signing of Mateo Kovacic on loan is making that possibility even more remote.

Tottenham Hotspur are fourth on the list at 16/1, which would really make for a shock signing. The only possible reason for such a transfer would be so Ramsey could leave Arsenal and remain in North London, for some reason. He wouldn’t get higher wages with Spurs than he would with the Gunners though.

This speculation could all come to an end if Arsenal and Ramsey would just find an agreement over an extension. Unfortunately, the club loved their drawn out contract disputes under Arsene Wenger and it seems that’s not going to change with new management.

The 27-year-old can sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club in January, to leave Arsenal for free next summer.