Chelsea’s signing of Ashley Cole from Arsenal back in the first decade of the new millennium set into motion a rapidly growing rivalry. The Blues had hijacked the player from Under Wenger’s nose and the Gunners were not happy about it. Tension lasted long and it was thought to have eased out with Cole finally leaving Chelsea a few years back.
However, the peace was short-lived as Chelsea brought in Cesc Fabregas, a former Arsenal protégé, from Barcelona. The Emirates crowd were vociferous in their open hatred for the player and the club. In between the Wenger and Mourinho rivalry had done all it could to make matters worse on either side.
Chelsea ended their January window by holding the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hostage and forcing the Gunners to sell their hitman Olivier Giroud to take away Aubameyang from Dortmund. It seems now that matters could uglier with Chelsea plotting an audacious bid for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
The Welshman is out of contract at the end of the next season and Chelsea could be interested in securing his services. Chelsea are thought to be monitoring his progress and will want to get in on the act should Ramsey express his desire to leave.
Ramsey has been in good form this season scoring six goals and eight assists for the Gunners. However, he admitted that a new deal is yet to be worked out. “Nothing to comment on at the moment,” Ramsey told BT Sport. “I think they’ve been busy to tie up other contracts at the moment.”
Former Blues midfielder Lampard however, had previously implored Arsenal to try and make Ramsey stay at the Emirates. He had said: “I’m an admirer of Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal must try to secure his long-term future at the club.
“Ramsey has just over a year left on his contract and once again Arsenal have got themselves in a position where one of their key players’ deals is running out.
“I feel some sympathy for him because his position has changed over the years at the club. Sometimes, because they’ve had so many attacking midfielders, he’s been dropped further back.
“He is class when at his best and I do feel there is another level for him to strive for. He showed great quality at the 2016 European Championship.
“Arsenal need to keep their good British players and build the team around them, with more strength and power as a priority.”
Whether Arsenal now listens to him or whether his former club moves in for the Welshman remains to be seen.
