Arsenal playing the waiting game with Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal are reportedly far off from matching Aaron Ramsey's contract demands, though they remain hopeful of committing him to a fresh long-term deal.

The Wales international has been playing hardball over the negotiations over the past year and according to Evening Standard, the club are yet to make any progress regarding an extension.

At present, Ramsey is said to be eyeing at least twice of his current wage package of £110,000-a-week but Unai Emery's side are reluctant to match his demands with their wage bill at a record high of over £200m.

Ramsey was only a second half substitute during the recent derby loss to Chelsea and it is understood that a number of his teammates were surprised that he was dropped from the starting lineup.

The contract situation may have influenced Emery's decision to do so but Evening Standard suggests that the Welshman is still carrying a nagging calf problem which may have led to the move.