Ivan Gazidis’ exit led Arsenal to withdraw their contract offer to Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman looked set to stay until the former chief-executive agreed to join AC Milan
ARSENAL u-turned on the decision to offer Aaron Ramsey a new contract after confirmation of Ivan Gazidis' move to AC Milan, it has been reported.
The Gunners had offered the Wales international a four-year deal before withdrawing the proposal earlier this season.
Gazidis announced his intention to join Milan on 18 September after months of rumours regarding his future.
And just nine days later the news that Ramsey would be allowed to leave without his contract being extended was disclosed, and it has now emerged that there is a link between the two events.
understand that Gazidis was keen on retaining the former Cardiff City midfielder and submitted an offer accordingly.
But once the former chief-executive's departure was announced, the Arsenal hierarchy along with manager Unai Emery decided that Ramsey had not done enough to justify a new deal.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
The 27-year-old was understood to be demanding a pay packet worth £275,000-a-week.
But the record 13-time FA Cup winners told Ramsey they were unable to afford those terms and would let the player leave.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will allow the midfielder to exit in January - the last chance they have to recoup a fee for him - or keep him until the end of his contract.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for Ramsey, who is able to begin talks with overseas sides come the turn of the year.
In October, Italian publication suggested Gazidis could look to bring Ramsey with him to AC Milan.
Gazidis does not start work with Milan until 1 December but could reportedly use his connections at The Emirates Stadium to help engineer a move next summer.
Serie A champions Juventus have also been linked with a move for Ramsey as they look to continue their successful pursuit of unattached players, having landed Emre Can from Liverpool last summer.