Arsenal still "need" Aaron Ramsey, according to Unai Emery. The Gunners head coach is counting on the midfielder's "focus" and "performances" even though Ramsey is free to agree terms with foreign clubs from January 1.
Ramsey has already been told he won't be offered a new contract at Arsenal ahead of his current deal expiring next summer. Even so, Emery remains content to consider the Welshman vital to his plans.
The breakdown in negotiations has since rendered Ramsey a peripheral figure in Emery's squad. He hasn't started the last four matches in the Premier League but did come off the bench during the 1-1 draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day.