Arsenal have been criticised in recent years for their struggles to act proactively in regards to contracts for their first-team stars, with a number of high-profile players running down their deals and putting the Gunners in a difficult position.

This summer sees the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all enter the final 12 months of their current contract and the trio have been linked with transfers this summer- which would hand Arsenal a huge blow.

Arsene Wenger’s side are keen to extend the deals of all the aforementioned players, but reports suggest they may have difficulties, so it’s positive to see reports today indicating that Arsenal are making early moves with Aaron Ramsey to ensure they don’t encounter the same problem in a year’s time.

The Telegraph states Arsenal have opened negotiations with Ramsey regarding a contract extension, with the Welshman’s current deal due to expire in 2019, and Wenger is preparing to make the FA Cup hero one of the club’s highest earners.

26-year-old Ramsey has become an important player for both club and country during recent seasons, standing as a crucial player in the heart of midfield for both sides- and many expect there is still more to come from the former Cardiff City man.

Ramsey scored the FA Cup winning goal last month to seal Arsenal’s third FA Cup crown in four seasons, replicating the winner goal he scored for Arsenal’s first of those titles in 2014, and is set to be one of the first names on the team-sheet next season.

The uncertainty surrounding Ozil’s future could also bring the best out of Ramsey, as he could be utilised in a more attacking role, which has seen him excel for the Welsh national side, and that versatility will be crucial to Arsenal’s endeavours in the next few years.

Whilst Ramsey’s current deal has two years left to run, failure to secure a new contract in the next year will see Arsenal find themselves in familiar surroundings once again as speculation would arise on Ramsey’s future as he enters the final 12 months of his deal.

Due to turn 27 in December, Ramsey is approaching the peak years of his career and a new deal is set to secure the Welshman to Arsenal into his 30’s, ahead of his celebration of a decade with the Gunners next year.

Ramsey also looks set to be the first of many players to be handed a new deal at Arsenal, with reports indicating Danny Welbeck and Petr Cech could follow suit.