Manchester United will compete with Chelsea to sign Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey should he decide to leave The Emirates.

That’s according to Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn.

Ramsey is out of contract next summer, and has this far failed to agree a new deal, leading to speculation he could leave the the club after over a decade in North London.

La Liga giants Barcelona are reported to be interested in the Welshman, as are AC Milan, who want the 27-year-old to follow Ivan Gazidis to the San Siro.

Gazidis is close to agreeing a deal to become Milan’s new chief executive.

But Winterburn believes it will the clubs closer to home who will be battling out for Ramsey and more specifically United and Chelsea, both of whom he feels can benefit from the addition of the Wales international.

“With less than a year remaining on his contract, Ramsey is in a very strong negotiating position and is also a very attractive proposition for a lot of big clubs around Europe,” Winterburn told Sportingbet.

“I’m sure lots of top clubs are monitoring the situation and are ready to poach him.

“I think Manchester United and Chelsea will both battle it out to sign him if they feel he is seriously considering leaving Arsenal.

“I don’t think he could get into the Manchester City and Liverpool teams, but it would hurt Arsenal fans to see another of their superstars leave to a Premier League rival.

“I hope Ramsey signs a new contract at Arsenal.”

Arsenal take on Newcastle United tomorrow at St James Park.