Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Ivan Gazidis is blame for the ongoing contract dispute with midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The Welshman has been in negotiations over a new deal with the Gunners for a number of months, however has thus far failed to pen a new deal.

Arsenal have no withdrawn their offer of a new deal, meaning Ramsey will be free to leave the club next summer with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

The club found themselves in a similar situation with Ramsey’s team-mate Mesut Ozil last year, with the German refusing to agree a new deal unless his lofty wage demands were met.

The club’s sporting director, Ivan Gazidis gave in to Ozil’s demands, and Wright believes in doing so, the South African has set a precedence for players to be in charge of contract negotiations, rather than the club having the power.

When asked about Ramsey’s likely departure from the Emirates, Wright told Sky Sports: “That Ozil situation has had a massive effect on what’s going on right now because Aaron Ramsey is captain material.

“It should have been done ages ago. Ivan Gazidis has got a lot to answer for this to happen because Ramsey should be a focal point in the team.

“He’s somebody who is the heartbeat of the team and when it’s going poorly or badly, he still shows for the ball and tries to play how he wants to play, tries to get in the box and does things.

“He’s somebody that I’d like to see stay because I think he is that player who is never afraid. He scores goals.

“I like him simply because when he gets in there he will finish and he’s somebody that, given a run of games, he will do something because he’s not afraid.

“He doesn’t hide. He’s somebody that if they can get it going, I’m desperate for him to stay but I do understand that Arsenal cannot continue to let players dictate like they are now.”