Aaron Ramsey was reportedly left stunned at being left out of Arsenal’s starting XI against Chelsea.
And his team-mates could not believe Unai Emery’s ballsy call to bench the midfielder, who SunSport revealed is no closer to signing a new contract.
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The Mirror claim Emery was not happy with Ramsey’s performance in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season.
Ramsey – who has 11 months left on his Emirates deal – is thought to have spoken to his boss on the back of that game.
The Frenchman opted to go with a midfield of Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil.
Ramsey did come on as a 68th-minute substitute in place of a lacklustre Ozil but was unable to inspire the Gunners to victory as Marcos Alonso scored a late winner.
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The Wales star, 27, is claimed to have looked frustrated after the match and refused to speak to any of the media.
Emery stressed the importance of balancing attack with defence, and made special reference to his inclusion of young midfielders Lucas Torreira, 22, and Guendouzi, 19.
The former Paris Saint-Germain manager last month claimed Ramsey was central to his plans in North London and highlighted him as a potential captain.
Talks over a new deal for Ramsey began as far back as last year but there has been little movement since.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both been put on alert by his situation, with both clubs showing interest in the summer.
Ramsey wants a bumper increase on his £110,000-a-week wages after becoming a senior member of the Emirates dressing room.
Ozil is the club’s top earner on £350k a week.
Emery claimed he was “happy” with the German’s performance against Chelsea meaning it is possible Ramsey will miss out again against West Ham on Saturday.
Ramsey joined Arsenal from Cardiff in 2008 at just 17 and was an ever-present under Arsene Wenger after two loan spells.
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