Two players are behind Aaron Ramsey’s Arsenal transfer exit - Martin Keown

Aaron Ramsey is close to joining Juventus on a free transfer and Unai Emery is restricted to signing loan players this month. 

Arsenal legend Martin Keown is astonished by Arsenal board’s decision to allow Aaron Ramsey to leave for Juventus on a free transfer - and has revealed the two players who may have forced it.

Earlier this month, the Gunners shelved contract negotiations with the Wales international.

Boss Unai Emery is committed to keep hold of the 28-year-old until the summer, when he is expected to link up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala at Serie A kings Juventus. 

But Keown, who won three Premier League titles winner with Arsenal, finds it staggering that the north London club are willing to let one of their prized assets leave for nothing.

And after Unai Emery disclosed on Thursday that the Gunners can only afford to bring in loan additions this month, Keown believes last year’s £100million spending spree on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette could be the real reason behind Ramsey’s pending departure.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Leown said : “If Arsenal are admitting they are only able to sign loan players, then it is staggering that they are happy to let one of their prize assets leave for nothing.”

“Ramsey has conducted himself with great dignity this season but it is astonishing that Arsenal, a powerhouse in the English game, could not put together a package to keep him.”

“The team are still formidable going forward. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are good enough to grace any team in the Premier League's top six.”

“But the £100m spent to sign those players last season and hefty wages given to other star players has led to this situation.”

“Unai Emery must look at his back line — where they are short at centre half — and wish he could bring in reinforcements. After all, Arsenal are only three points off the top four.”

“Emery is finding that decisions made before he arrived have left him with his hands tied”