<
>

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey to give '100 percent' even if he doesn't sign new deal

Aaron Ramsey says he has yet to reach an agreement with Arsenal about a contract extension, but insisted he'll give "absolutely everything" on the pitch as he enters the final year of his current deal.

Ramsey is the latest Arsenal player to let his contract run down to its final year without signing an extension, following the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez before him. But he says he won't be rushed into accepting the club's offer, even though new head coach Unai Emery has made it clear he views Ramsey as one of the key players for the future.

"Am I under pressure [to sign]? No," Ramsey told reporters in Singapore. "It's my decision and whatever I decide to do, that's on me. What makes it awkward is the media keep asking the questions. It's like having a baby in the car saying, 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'"

There has been speculation that Arsenal could opt to sell Ramsey unless he commits his future this summer to avoid a repeat of the Sanchez and Ozil saga.

Sanchez's motivation and work ethic were heavily questioned last year before his January transfer to Manchester United, while Ozil ended up signing a new deal paying him upwards of £300,000 a week.

But the Wales midfielder insisted the club have nothing to worry about in terms of his performances, even if he decides to run his contract down.

"Listen, I'm a player who always gives 100 percent, regardless of what's going on. I will be no different to that and I will give absolutely everything to try to achieve something special this season and win football games, regardless of what is going on behind the scenes," he said. "We are communicating. My agent and the club are speaking but we're yet to come to an agreement.

"I've still got a year left and I'm looking forward to being in an Arsenal shirt in the new season and doing my best for this club. I'm hoping to have a successful season under the new manager."

Ramsey's name has also been mentioned as one of the contenders for the captaincy at Arsenal, with Emery yet to decide who will wear the armband next season. The Spaniard has said he will name five captains initially before making up his mind, and Ramsey made it clear he wouldn't shy away from the role.

"The captaincy is a massive responsibility and it would be an honour to captain this club," he said. "The manager is yet to decide so we'll have to wait and see for that. But if the opportunity is there, I don't think any player would say, 'No.'"