The Wales international continues to run down his current deal and is being tipped to wait on overtures from rival clubs before making a future call
Aaron Ramsey wants salary parity with the likes of Mesut Ozil, says Martin Keown, with the contract rebel set to keep Arsenal sweating as he waits on other offers.
The Wales international is into the final year of his current deal with the Gunners.
He is yet to agree fresh terms and is now being heavily linked with leading sides across Europe, with the likes of Liverpool and Juventus among those to have sparked transfer talk.
Arsenal found themselves in a similar position with Ozil last season, before he eventually committed to a lucrative extension at Emirates Stadium.
Keown feels that deal has made others demanding of greater reward, with the former defender telling BT Sport of Ramsey: “He might be looking at what other people are earning.
“Ozil is not even there today [against Fulham] and you couldn’t say he was missed, but he’s set the tone on what the salary is and maybe Ramsey is looking to get somewhere near his money.”
Ramsey stepped off the bench to score within 39 seconds of his introduction against Fulham.
The Gunners prevailed 5-1 in that contest, with their winning run across all competitions stretched to nine games.
It is clear that Ramsey still has an important role to play heading forward, but Keown fears he may have already taken the decision to head for the exits.
He added on an unfortunate situation facing Unai Emery: “It’s basically out of his hand. It’s been allowed to run so long that you’re not really in control.
“In that last season, the player tends to think ‘let’s just leave it to the summer and see what else is out there and see if you really are offering me a good deal’.
“It’s looking like he’s going to leave now.”
Ramsey has been with Arsenal since 2008, taking in over 330 appearances for the club and tasting three FA Cup triumphs.